In many roles, a new employee can start work within a few days or weeks. In aviation security, however, candidates should be prepared for a preparation period that lasts, on average, two to three months. This is not because the recruitment process is unnecessarily complicated, but because international and national requirements make it mandatory to complete a background check, training and the recognition process by the Estonian Transport Administration before starting independent work.
According to Tauri Sepp, Head of Aviation Security at Forus, thorough preparation is an essential part of ensuring aviation security and helps make sure that everyone working in the airport’s security restricted area meets the same high standards.
The journey begins with applying
Everything starts with submitting an application and attending a job interview. If the candidate is suitable, the next step is an aviation security background check, which generally takes up to 14 days. The purpose of the background check is to confirm that the person meets the requirements for working in the airport’s security restricted area.
Only after receiving a positive background check result can the candidate be referred to a two-week basic aviation security training course. The training usually takes place once a month and combines theory with practical training. Future employees gain knowledge of aviation security requirements, access control, patrol duties, gate operations, customer service and how to act in different security situations.
After successfully completing the training, the employee’s documents are submitted to the Estonian Transport Administration for recognition of competence. This procedure may take up to 30 days, and only after the recognition has been granted can the employee begin independent work at Tallinn Airport.
On average, the entire process takes two to three months. The timeline mainly depends on the duration of the background check, the scheduling of the basic training and the Transport Administration’s procedure.
Why is the process so thorough? The role of an aviation security employee is not limited to staffing access points or carrying out patrols. Their work helps ensure the safety and security of passengers, airport employees, airlines and one of Estonia’s most important pieces of critical infrastructure. That is why everyone working in this field must be trustworthy, attentive and ready to act professionally even in challenging situations.
Training is an investment in the future employee
Participation in the basic training is paid, and the salary for the training period is paid together with the first salary payment. For Forus, the investment in a future employee begins even before their first independent working day.
The two-week basic training course is a significant investment for the employer. For this reason, Forus signs a binding agreement of up to 13 months with employees who are referred to basic training. The purpose of this agreement is to support long-term cooperation and give both parties confidence that the investment made in training creates value for both the employee and the employer.
It is important to know that, unlike in many other fields, aviation security basic training cannot be completed “just in case”. Only a candidate who has already passed the required background check can be referred to the training.
Previous experience in the security sector is certainly an advantage, but previous aviation security experience is the greatest benefit.
Previous experience in the security sector is certainly an advantage, but previous aviation security experience is the greatest benefit. If a candidate already has valid recognition as an aviation security employee, they can start work much faster after passing the background check. If the recognition has expired, a three-day refresher training course is usually sufficient, and the full basic training does not need to be repeated. This allows experienced aviation security specialists to join the Forus team more quickly.
Forus understands that changing jobs may be linked to various personal or financial reasons. If a suitable candidate wishes to start work quickly, Forus will, where possible, try to find temporary work at another Forus site or offer different short-term work opportunities until all the requirements for working at the airport have been met. This allows the person to begin the employment relationship sooner instead of simply waiting throughout the entire preparation process.
What kind of person is suited to the aviation security team?
A good fit for the Forus aviation security team is someone who is:
- responsible,
- honest,
- attentive,
- ready to take responsibility.
Also very important are:
- good communication skills,
- a calm mindset,
- a willingness to learn.
Previous experience in the security sector is not a prerequisite. All the necessary knowledge and practical skills are acquired during training.
Aviation security is one of the most professional and demanding areas in the security sector. High standards come with thorough training, continuous professional development and competitive pay.
It is a job with a clear purpose and real social value.
At the same time, what makes this work special is its meaning. Aviation security employees help ensure the security of Estonian aviation every day. In addition to regular air traffic, they also contribute to the safe handling of state visits, special flights and other events with heightened security requirements. It is a job with a clear purpose and real social value.
Although the journey to becoming an aviation security employee is thorough, the candidate does not have to go through it alone. The Forus recruitment team supports candidates throughout the entire process and helps find solutions even when there is a need to start work quickly.
If you are looking for responsible, well-paid and meaningful work, and want to contribute to the security of Estonian aviation, it is definitely worth applying.
