In the security industry, training is essential, but how that training is delivered matters just as much as what’s being taught. At XA Security, we’ve made a clear choice to prioritize in-person, in-house training that’s accessible, engaging, and always free for our staff. Why? Because we believe professional development should be more than a checkbox. It should be a meaningful, shared experience that sets our team up for success on and off the job.
We asked our Field Operations and Training Manager, Mike Byrnes, to share why in-person training is so important, especially in today’s world where many competitors rely on self-paced online courses.
“This is a conversation the industry needs to keep having. The difference in learning outcomes between online and in-person training is real - but what often gets overlooked are the intangible and unintentional benefits of face-to-face learning.”
Mike’s seen firsthand how in-person sessions significantly impact how learning is absorbed, how teams function, and how individuals grow in their roles.
It creates space for organic learning. The kind that can’t be scripted or replicated online. Participants are more likely to share personal insights, tips, and real-world examples when they're together in-person. They also collaborate on solutions and ask the tough questions that don’t always make it into a Zoom chat.
Especially among frontline staff, being in a shared space builds camaraderie. Breaks, group work, and casual conversations often lead to better professional relationships.
Beyond that, in-person training also gives instructors a better sense of how a student is engaging. Are they listening? Participating? Struggling with a concept but too shy to speak up? In a physical classroom, body language, attitude, and energy all provide instructors with cues to adapt and support their learners more effectively.
“When someone shows up for in-person training, it speaks volumes. They got ready, they showed up on time, they made the effort to be here. That tells you something about motivation and mindset - something you can’t measure with a login screen.”
It’s easier to assess motivation when staff show up dressed, on time, and ready to engage, compared to passively logging in from home with the camera off. Some quieter learners are hesitant to unmute themselves in a virtual setting. In a room, Mike can spot disengagement or confusion and gently offer support.
Online training absolutely has its place. But at XA, we invest in in-person training because we care about the long-term success of our people. Led by experienced professionals like Mike, our sessions focus on real-world skills in a hands-on environment that keeps teams connected and engaged. It's one of the ways we build better guards and stronger teams.
Professional development shouldn’t be transactional. It should be transformational.
And we’ll keep showing up to make that happen.
Interested in joining the team? Learn more.
