Frontex | Specialised training

Language Training: focusing on operational needs and related terminology

Training for Practitioners/Language Instructors at airports: basic and advanced level are designed as a multiplier training course in order to reach a large number of border guards working at airports and to enhance their English knowledge as required for performing daily tasks as well as during Frontex-coordinated joint operations at airports. Based on the course, the multipliers promote and deliver the English Basic Language Tool to border guards at airports in order to enhance language skills among officers.

Anti-Trafficking in Human Beings

Frontex has developed a comprehensive training package to support the Member States in fulfilling the task of effectively preventing and combating trafficking in human beings. The Frontex anti-trafficking trainers’ manual is in line with the latest international and European standards, emphasising that the fundamental rights of the trafficked person are at the centre of all efforts addressing trafficking in human beings. The manual was developed by experts from Member States, European Agencies (Cepol, Eurojust) and International Organisations (UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF and OSCE).

National trainers are trained by Frontex, based on the methodology of the manual with a practical approach focused on border-guard functions. The training package is also available to Partner Countries in order to develop integrated border management across all EU external borders.

Virtual Aula: a common training overview module in English

Virtual Aula is a web-based training platform including information about the border management systems of 35 states (Member States, Schengen-Associated Countries and countries Frontex has working arrangements signed with) and about Frontex. Since its launch in February 2010, the number of border guard officers having personal access to the web page has increased steadily.

Falsified Document Detection

Frontex provides four separate courses related to the detection of falsified documents. The Basic Level tool was developed for people not directly involved in border-security work, such as consular staff, and is available to Member States and Schengen-Associated Countries on request. The Advanced-level course is for both first- and second-line officers and is available in 23 languages. Meanwhile, a specialist course of two weeks’ intensive training is aimed at experienced second line officers and “third-line” document experts, who are then expected to act as knowledge multipliers at their place of work. In addition, the Falsified Document Roadshow is a course for first-line officers conducted in the workplace. The project is evaluated twice a year by the Document Specialist Board in which all 28 EU Member States are presented.

Detection of Stolen Vehicles

Frontex offers three levels of training in the detection of stolen vehicles:

Level One is for the basic training of border guard officers in the field and is available in 21 languages. The national experts are trained by Frontex as multipliers and carry out national training courses allowing a high number of border guard officers to be trained in their home country and in their mother tongue.
Level Two is a follow-up training tool building on the knowledge and skills received in the Level One training. The tool is available in 15 languages.
The Advanced Level option provides training tailored to specialists in detection of stolen vehicles.

Common Training Tool for Third Countries’ Border Guard Training

Frontex provides a one-week course aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of trainers in border control/surveillance and management areas in non-EU countries.

Air Crew Training: including night-flight and tactical skills

The purpose of aircrew training is to improve flight safety, to enhance the level of competence of aircrews and to develop common training standards for border guard aircrews, thereby strengthening the opportunities for operational cooperation during joint operations. The eight modules available are:

common standards manual for air crew training,
crew resource management,
air-sea coordination training,
mountain survival training,
forward looking infrared (FLIR) operator training,
sea survival training,
night vision goggle training (NVG)
crew exchange (a two-week exchange programme designed for leading staff members, pilots and flight technicians of border guard aviation units).

Training for escort leaders on joint return flights

The Common Manual for Joint Return Officers Training provides standards for training escort officers and escort leaders on joint return flights. The manual was drafted in cooperation with Member States’ and Schengen-Associated Countries’ experts with the aim of enhancing capacity through common standards. They also provide common procedures that ensure implementation of safety measures on return flights.

Dog Handlers’ Standardised Training

The Frontex manual Common Standards for Service Dog Handling provides guidelines for dog handlers and establishes dog training standards. The manual has been translated into 26 languages and 35 states are implementing the common standards defined.

The Common training tool for Frontex instructors was developed as a guideline video for dog handlers based on the standards already established.

The advanced training tool for dog handling meanwhile was developed to provide support for national dog-handler training.

Fundamental Rights Training

The trainers’ manual on fundamental rights aims to raise awareness and to ensure harmonised training of all EU border guards in respecting fundamental rights, and aspires to ever-higher standards of professionalism as part of an EU border-guard culture. It takes into consideration the complexity of the duties performed by officials at the border and demonstrates how fundamental rights permeate and advance their professional lives.

The manual is developed by experts from Member States, European Agencies (FRA, EASO) and International Organisations (UNHCR, OHCHR and OSCE/ODIHR). The target group are professionals who train border guards. The structure of the training package is based on the core functions of border guards and is divided into five modules. Each module has defined learning outcomes, training materials, references and tools. Frontex facilitates the implementation of the fundamental rights training at national level by providing expert support and by training national trainers.

Schengen Evaluators’ Training

The Basic Course for Schengen Evaluators is a one-week course for nominated experts focused on how to carry out an evaluation mission in the Schengen area. The course consists of a theoretical element and a practical simulation of the implementation of the Schengen Borders Code at sea, land and air borders, including preparation of the evaluation report.

The course for leading experts is a two-day training course for experienced experts nominated by member states and Schengen-associated countries and is focused on teaching them how to prepare and lead a Schengen evaluation mission.

Risk Assessment Training

Tactical, Operational and Strategic Risk Analysis training is focused on enhancing the skills of first- and second-line officers in the operational area and enabling them to understand their role in the information chain.

Training for Interviewers/Debriefers

Frontex has developed three training modules aiming at providing a training framework for EBGT members in line with their profiles. The three available modules are:

Debriefing Experts’ Training,
Second-line Interview Experts’ Training
Screening Experts’ Training.