Garda Trainee 2025

publicjobs; Munster; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The national police service of Ireland is seeking Garda Trainees to join the Foundation Training Programme in Limerick. Candidates must have a good character, meet educational requirements, and be physically fit for training. Successful applicants will embark on a rewarding career path with competitive salary and benefits. This role offers a unique opportunity to serve the community and make a difference.

Benefits

Allowance during training

Accommodation and food provided

Comprehensive wellbeing supports

29.5 days paid annual leave

Qualifications

• Must have obtained an Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum grade D3 in five subjects.
• Proficiency in Irish or English is required.
• Must pass Physical Competence Assessment and Substance Misuse Test.

Responsibilities

• Undergo the Foundation Training Programme.
• Participate in training phases to become a Garda.
• Work core shift roster post-attestation.

Skills

Good character

Proficiency in English

Proficiency in Irish

Physical fitness

Education

Irish Leaving Certificate

Level 5 Major award

Job description

Job title: Garda Trainee 2025

Employer: An Garda Síochána

Location: Limerick

Closing Date: 3pm, Thursday, 9th October 2025

Salary: Starting at €38,694

About the Employer:

An Garda Síochána is the national police and security service of Ireland with a mission of “Keeping People Safe”.

Joining An Garda Síochána offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic and innovative team. This role and the personal impact you will have on people and the community will give you a sense of achievement like nothing else.

You will be part of something meaningful and have the opportunity to make a change. You will work in a supportive, digitally enabled environment that is unique.

About the Role:

As a trainee you will undergo the Foundation Training Programme, the initial training and development programme that incorporates the training required to perform the role and functions of a Garda. The programme incorporates a Level 7 Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied Policing, accredited by the University of Limerick, containing three phases of training.

Garda Trainees will receive an allowance of €354 per week for the 36 weeks of training. Accommodation and food is provided while resident in the Garda College from Sunday to Friday. Garda Trainees attest after 36 weeks and begin on a salary of €38,694 (as of 1st August 2025), rising incrementally to €59,736 per annum after 8 years. Garda Trainees will be assigned to work the core shift roster (12 hour), which attracts additional allowances. Gardaí will have the opportunity to work on overtime, which is paid at a rate of time and a half, unless worked on a Sunday/public holiday, which is paid at double time. Fast Accrual (Uniformed) members pension scheme - allows you to build up pension benefits at a higher rate each year.

After attestation, Garda Trainees get 29.5 days paid annual leave per year inclusive of public holidays and Good Friday. There are flexible working options available throughout your career (approval of management required). You will have access to comprehensive wellbeing supports, the Doctors of Choice GP scheme (GP consultation fee is covered by An Garda Síochána), and the Medical Aid scheme. You can join numerous Garda societies and clubs which facilitate the pursuit of healthy leisure activities, and you can also access the Garda Credit Union.

About You:

Age

You must have attained the age of 18 and be no more than the age of 49 by the end of the application deadline.

Character

You must be of good character. Any criminal history or/and involvement with An Garda Síochána will be considered during the vetting process.

Nationality

You must be:

A. A national of a European Union Member State;

or By the closing date of this competition, you must have obtained the following:

B. A national of a European Economic Area State, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or the Swiss Confederation;

or C. Under the International Protection Act, 2015 and in compliance with the Admissions and Appointments Regulations 2013, as amended, be:

i. A refugee or a family member of such a person in relation to whom a refugee declaration is in force and continues to be in force for the entire duration of the Garda Recruit selection and admissions process;

or ii. A person granted subsidiary protection or a family member of such a person in relation to whom a subsidiary protection declaration is in force and continues to be in force for the entire duration of the Garda Recruit selection and admissions process;

or iii. By the closing date of the advertisement of this competition, have had a period of one year’s continuous residence in the State, and during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years.

Education

1. An Irish Leaving Certificate with a grade D3 or O6 minimum in five subjects at Ordinary Level*; or 2. A minimum of a Level 5 Major award (120 Credits) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ);

or 3. A recognised qualification (at Level 5 or greater), deemed comparable to the above in terms of both level and volume of learning as determines by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). AND 4. A proven proficiency in either or both of the following:

i. The Irish language

ii. The English language

Please note:

• Successful applicants are required to study and pass Irish as part of a module in the Garda College.

• Subjects taken at Foundation Level Leaving Certificate are not considered equivalent for entry to this competition. In certain cases, a Pass in the Applied Leaving Certificate may be deemed equivalent to an Ordinary Leaving Certificate. A H7 grade is also deemed equivalent to an O6 grade.

• publicjobs may verify the validity of qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate with Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). Candidates may refer to the National Academic Recognition Information Centre which offers advice on the academic recognition of foreign qualifications in Ireland.

Employment Status

You must have relinquished all previous employment prior to entry to the Garda College and may not be on a career break from any such employment upon entry.

Medical Standards

You must be certified by a Registered Medical Practitioner (nominated by the Commissioner after consultation with the Minister) to be in good health, of sound constitution and suited physically and mentally to performing the duties of a member of the service.

Physical Competence Assessment

You must have passed a Physical Competence Assessment before entering the Garda College to start training.

Substance Misuse Test

You must have passed a Substance Misuse (Controlled Drug) Test to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 9th October, 2025.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.