Maltese companies which previously sought to train their key security personnel and have them qualified in aviation security encountered difficulties in finding trainers and many times had to resort to foreign trainers.

G4S Malta is now positioned to offer qualified training in EU aviation security standards after one of its professional trainers, Diane Catania is now officially qualified to offer this course in Malta to companies whose personnel are required to be equipped with such compulsory qualifications.

Recently G4S Malta also trained six employees in a train the trainer programme in customer care, hospitality and conflict management. These employees can now deliver internal and external courses in related fields.

“While training is very high on our agenda at G4S, we take safety and security-related procedures very seriously as these not only safeguard our own people but also our clients, their operations and their respective customers,” said Julian Dimech, G4S Malta managing director.

“In Malta, G4S employs 730 people, all specialised in their respective responsibilities who attend regular courses at G4S Training Academy. The academy offers 33 specialised courses that are open not only to internal employees but also to all G4S clients who want to train their own people. Such courses include conflict management, leadership skills, business continuity planning, crisis management and risk assessment. Training is one of our core values and we take it very seriously,” added Mr Dimech.

Over the past year, over 300 G4S employees have undergone specific training, through a continuous employee professional development exercise that the company has in place for its staff.

“Training not only leads to more knowledge, stronger skills and better competencies but it also improves our security officers’ capabilities, motivation and personnel development. We operate in a very dynamic sector and therefore, it is only through constant training that we can retain the high level of services we deliver to our clients, most of them leaders in their respective sector,” added Ray Xuereb, G4S security and operations manager and responsible for the training of all the employees.

“G4S Malta hosts employees for training every year. EU aviation security legislation requires that training takes places on an annual basis whereas those working in medical and hospital security are required to attend training every two years. Other employees who hold general security positions and are responsible for general duties are also requested to carry out refresher courses every year. Those in security academy conduct courses based on clients’ specific requirements as dictated by their internal security policies and procedures,” said Mr Xuereb.