In advance of the forthcoming EASA Airports Regulatory Compliance, SMS & Security 3 Day Seminar and Conference Heathrow 5th to 7th April
Sofema Aviation Services looks at the effect training has on the security decision making process.
Our Airport Security system functions within a very specific regulatory driven framework with requirements for both initial and recurrent training. Today we are still totally reliant on the “human interface” in making key decisions regarding aviation security despite ever improving equipment afforded by the latest technology and other innovations. Potentially he is also the weakest component of the process.
Conversely with the appropriate training this may in fact become a strong link with the ability to interpret x ray images being a skill which is highly dependent on training but which also brings with it a requirement for a high level of visual cognitive skills. Because of the sheer numbers involved CBT – Computer based training becomes the ideal tool to ensure we are able to achieve and maintain the interpretive skills of the trainer particularly as it enables exposure to images of objects which are not normally seen during daily activities.
There is also another dimension which needs to be considered in assessing the acceptability of the oversight and training programs. There is an industry held belief that ensuring airport security staff are suitably trained will in itself ensure the delivery of the required level of security. In reality however and influenced by a raft of reasons some personal and some organisational including peer and social pressures it is clear that this is not the case.
Driven by significant evidence that security employees on occasion ignore, bend, break or otherwise turn a blind eye to “some” rules, procedures there is reason to question the effectiveness of the current training being delivered.
Possibly this is influenced by the perceived threat as understood by the employee which could in actually become a constraint, Adult learning is very specific and requires the adult to “buy into” the rational for the training – self justification. Therefore the more real we can make the training the better it will be received by the trainee.
So in considering adequacy our questions focus on 2 areas, we should ask ourselves becomes “does our training adequately differentiate between hold and cabin threats, are we certifying our screeners appropriate to the specific areas of expertise which they are engaged”?
In addition we should satisfy ourselves that the pre-screening – including the various Pre-Employment Assessment and Selection Tests are actually delivery to our expectations particularly in respect of both ability & aptitude s and abilities needed in airport security screening
To register for the event please see the following link
https://sassofia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/SAS-London-Registration-Form1.pdf
If you have any comments or questions please email office@sassofia.com
