Personal learning paths in Private Security

At Summa Security, students in the Private Security program follow their own individual path. Students can enroll weekly, choose which modules they want to take, and accelerate or slow down their studies. Graduation ceremonies are held monthly. This makes Summa Security a national leader in flexible education.

Photos above and below: Students practice their skills during a role-playing exercise. The acting teacher in the yellow shirt is being addressed for inappropriate behavior. This could include ignoring a building rule with less experienced students, or complex aggressive behavior with more advanced students.

"Everyone learns at their own pace," says teacher Elise van Eijk. "Everyone has different learning needs and styles. We always cater to individual needs. That's incredibly valuable for students: they feel heard and seen, they have a place to be, and they can be themselves. I think it's incredibly important for people to feel safe and secure. Anyone who feels that way naturally embraces personalized learning paths and shares that concept with their students. We all taught traditionally, and the transition was a learning process. But we embraced a new culture, which we fully support."

A tailor-made study

For the Private Security program, students can start any time. They combine four days of work with one day of school. Once they've completed all the modules, they can leave immediately. This is quite different from starting after the summer and finishing in June after several years.

BOL students generally start twice a year, in September and January, but individual start dates are also open for discussion. Elise: “They are present at school much more and follow a joint program where they get to know each other, the program, the sector, and the various disciplines. After that, they too progress at their own pace. We guide and let go, depending on what each person needs. The student coordinates their path with the coach: how will I proceed? Some are very independent, others need more guidance. It's all fine.”

A growing movement

Students work individually on their learning goals, but they connect with each other when needed. "Groups form naturally," says Elise. "Every week we meet new people. From young people just out of high school to 67-year-olds who are just joining the program. The diversity is enormous."

Theory and practical exams are held flexibly. Those who complete the training don't have to wait for a fixed time of year. Every month, the Private Security team organizes a graduation ceremony. Family members, training companies, and practical supervisors are welcome. "Everyone deserves to be recognized," says Elise proudly. "And of course, it doesn't matter whether you got through it quickly or needed more time."

The Private Security team doesn't see flexible and personalized education as an experiment, but as a growing movement. "We're really on the right track. It requires a shared vision, trust, openness, and a positive mindset. We continue to learn and develop, together with the sector. Every month, when we see a new student graduate, we proudly applaud with the entire team. Those are the moments when we know: this is why we do this."

See also this earlier article: Security guards in training receive flexible education