Thousands apply for Garda Trainee roles as recruitment drive closes
6,784 people have applied to be a Garda in the Garda Trainee Recruitment Competition.
This latest competition closed last Thursday, February 27. The campaign promoting the competition was live across television, national and local print and radio, online, social media, outdoor and cinema for three weeks.
32% of applicants are female, 42% of applicants are aged 30 and over, and 23% of those who stated their background have detailed an ethnic background other than white Irish.
“Ensuring An Garda Síochána represents the population it serves” – Commissioner Drew Harris
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: “We are really pleased with the level of interest in joining An Garda Síochána, particularly in the current market. Applicants are from a diverse range of backgrounds and this will ultimately ensure An Garda Síochána represents the population it is serving.”
Applicants now enter into a competitive selection process involving a number of stages.
Stage 1 is comprised of online verbal and numerical reasoning tests, an assessment questionnaire and a written exercise.
Stage 2 is a competency-based interview and Stage 3 is comprised of eligibility checks including the fitness test, medical and substance misuse (controlled drug) testing and vetting.
According to An Garda Síochána, it is expected that the first of those from this competition who make it through the selection process will begin in the Garda College in Templemore at the end of the year.