3 Min. Read
Training is a major spending category for security firms. After all, training is essential to arm a security force with the skills needed to succeed in the field.
Are you spending too much on training? Is your training program consistent enough to support your goals? Let's examine the costs of in-person and virtual training before discussing how online classes reduce training costs.
Why Does In-Person Training Cost More?
In-person security guard training requires a live instructor. Industry experts charge a fee that can reach thousands for their services, and you might face additional expenses if they have to travel.
Each cohort comes with a cost, as new hires need 15 to 40 hours of training. However, this investment is not guaranteed to pay off. In spite of the industry's limited projected employment growth, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is anticipating over 150,000 yearly openings for security guards due to high turnover.
It's an expensive proposition to get current employees who need continuing education together in a classroom. You might have to pay overtime, and guards won't be available for shifts while they train.
Plus, you'll have to rent a training space, buy training materials, and cover administrative overhead for scheduling the classes.
Providing consistent in-person training can be challenging because of the costs and scheduling. A strict training schedule can affect job satisfaction for guards, and inconsistent training can hold your security firm back in terms of performance quality.
Reduce Training Costs With Virtual Classes
The benefits of online security guard training include:
- 24/7 online access. There is no need to gather your entire team together in one place at one time.
- On-demand training. Guards can complete classes at their convenience and achieve individual learning goals.
- Self-paced progression. Employees can progress at their own pace and repeat lessons if needed.
- Continuous onboarding. Training is available anytime, anywhere. New hires can complete their initial Guard Card certification without being grouped into cohorts.
- Pre-recorded materials. You can access training materials developed by some of the top experts in the security industry at a fraction of what in-person instructors charge.
- Consistency. Whether it's certification or continuing education, guards have a clear path to their goal.
Online security training is a cost-effective solution that yields concrete returns. With Defencify, the average monthly subscription costs $300 for access to all our courses, including state-specific resources. The fee per active user averages just $12 per month. Onboarding ten new hires within a month comes with a price tag of $420 with Defencify's subscription rate, compared to several thousand for in-person classes!
Is Virtual Security Training Just As Good As In-Person Classes?
Virtual training solutions allow guards to progress at their own pace. Whether it's risk assessment, crowd management, or patrol techniques, employees can take all the time they need to master crucial skills and review material again if needed.
Gamification is another advantage of online training. The digital environment allows for interactive experiences that keep guards engaged and motivated.
The virtual environment supports LMS integration. This feature gives you complete visibility over your training program, allowing you to assign training tasks and ensure each employee is on track.
Because virtual training is available 24/7, guards can engage with classes and resources on their own time. Rather than feeling like an obligation, training becomes more engaging, which can lead to better outcomes.
Reduce Training Costs With Defencify
Defencify offers interactive training experiences that are available anytime, anywhere. We're passionate about delivering the highest quality training in our industry to help you build a confident and prepared security force.
From state-compliant training for unarmed guards to customized modules, we can meet a wide range of training needs. Explore our cost-effective virtual training experiences today with a free trial, and use our cost comparison calculator to find out how much you can save with Defencify.
