Recent events highlight significant concerns about public safety at large venues and expose vulnerabilities in manual oversight and follow-up procedures. This serves as a reminder that technology alone cannot replace the critical role of human intervention in maintaining safety, underscoring the importance of strengthening security training and preparedness to effectively address potential risks.

Venue Security Training is a universal challenge for stadiums and events worldwide. In Australia, National Terrorism Threat Advisory System classifies threat level as "probable" (indicating a greater than 50% chance of an onshore terrorist attack or planned event occurring within the next 12 months). Live event attendance remains strong, with 26.2 million fans attending ticketed sporting events in 2024 (Two Circles 2024 Attendance Review), and globally, the events industry is projected to grow from $1.227 trillion in 2024 to $1.346 trillion in 2025, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. As nations prepare for large-scale events, like the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, the demand for highly trained security personnel is critical. Traditional training methods are proving inadequate to meet this challenge, both in terms of scale and effectiveness.

The Solution: Revolutionizing Security Training Through Virtual Reality

Skills^VR, in partnership with Codec Security (owners of Asset Pro Security) with consultation from  Sheridan Consulting, offers a solution: Virtual Reality (VR) training tailored to real-world security scenarios, Bag Search and Wanding. These modules have been developed using UK standards due to the absence of local benchmarks. They are designed to address critical gaps in security preparedness. 

Key Features of Skills^VR Modules

Bag Search (5 minutes): Based on the UK's PAS 127–2014 standard, this module trains staff to efficiently search bags for prohibited items.

Wanding (5 minutes): Teaches effective use of handheld metal detectors to ensure dangerous items are intercepted. Based on the UK's PAS 127–2014 standard.

Conflict Management (7–10 minutes): Guides trainees through de-escalation techniques.

Certificate of Approval (NZ) (45 minutes): An immersive Security awareness module that has reduced training time from two days to under an hour.

VR Security Training (Conflict Management and Certificate of Approval NZ) has already proven successful in New Zealand:

• 78% of trainees reported increased confidence in handling security scenarios.
• 71% of training managers noted significant improvements in efficiency and cost savings.
• 89% of organizations reported higher trainee retention rates after implementing VR solutions.

Imagine this...

A security guard or crowd controller signs on for their shift and the place a VR headset on. 5 minutes later they have been trained in Bag Search or how to Wand. That staff member then goes to their security post to perform their role. There is no latency or loss of awareness in training. A revolutionary step forward!

Why VR Training?

Virtual Reality offers a transformative approach to security training by immersing personnel in realistic scenarios that replicate high-pressure environments like those witnessed at the MCG. Key advantages include:

• Enhanced Engagement: Trainees interact with lifelike simulations, improving retention rates compared to traditional methods.
• Standardisation: Uniform instruction ensures consistent quality across all trainees.
• Real-Time Feedback: Immediate insights into performance allow targeted skill refinement.
• Cost-Effectiveness: VR eliminates travel and facility costs while enabling scalable training solutions.
• Safe Learning Environment: High-risk scenarios can be practiced without endangering trainees or others.
• Reporting and validation the learning module has been completed, whilst easily integrating with any Learning Management Software.

A Call to Action for Venues Worldwide

This is an opportunity for stadiums and venues globally to rethink their approach to security training. Bryan Goudsblom, Group CEO of Codec Security, emphasises this opportunity: “Our VR modules provide stadiums, arenas, event spaces and security companies with the tools they need to upskill staff quickly and effectively, whilst delivering consistency and a level of situational training compliance not seen before.”

With these VR experiences, venues can ensure their staff are confident in managing complex situations under pressure - crucial as the global event landscape grows increasingly complex and high-stakes.

Advanced technology must be paired with robust human oversight. AI-powered systems are valuable tools but cannot replace well-trained personnel capable of responding effectively when alerts are triggered. VR training represents a timely opportunity to elevate security standards. Recent events highlight a positive call-to-action, one that urges venues everywhere to embrace innovation and prepare their teams for the challenges ahead.

For more information please contact marketing@skillsvr.com

Book your short VR discovery call with us today.

At Skills^VR, we transform learning into an engaging and enjoyable experience. Our VR training solutions are cost-effective, easy to implement, and scalable to meet your needs. Backed by a team of world-leading experts in immersive learning, we're dedicated to ensuring exceptional training outcomes to elevate your organization’s potential. Join us in unlocking the future of training and achieving impactful results.