It’s a long way from driving articulated dumper trucks and tippers, but ultimately, it was the career progression opportunities that attracted me to An Garda Síochána.
My name is Tara Devlin. I am originally from Donegal, and have been a probationer Garda in Galway Garda Station since April 2024.
I applied to join An Garda Síochána after spending the last seven years driving dump trucks and tippers – while I really loved that job, I didn’t feel there was much room to further my career there. The progression opportunities available to a member of An Garda Síochána are endless. There are so many different sections to progress to depending on your interests, from Traffic Policing, Community Policing, the Drugs Unit, Divisional Protective Services Unit, Detective Section and so much more, including promotion opportunities too.
I’m now 29 years old and finally feel like I’m in a role that is immensely fulfilling and rewarding.
Applying
When I found out about the Garda recruitment campaign I created a profile on publicjobs.ie After completing the initial form, I was invited to complete an aptitude test online. I completed a preparation course for the aptitude test online through 'Careers Services', which I found really helpful.
A few months later, I was successful in the competency-based online interview and then completed a fitness test in the Garda College in Templemore. This process comprised the ‘bleep test’, push-ups and sit-ups, and an obstacle course. After the fitness test, the last step was the medical.
I began my training in Templemore at the end of July 2023. We all arrived in college, smartly dressed, in our own suits, but within a few weeks of being measured up, we received out first Garda uniforms.
Phases of learning and training
The first three months of 'phase one - stage one' was spent in the college in Templemore, and was a mixture of practical, theory and fitness classes and some exams covering these.
The next 11 weeks, (Stage Two ) was spent on placement – usually within driving distance of your home. I went to Ballina, Co Mayo for my placement. Everything we were learning in the college began to make a lot more sense during this stage. During 'stage two', we had continuous professional development classes in the placement Garda stations.
We returned to the college for 'stage three', where we had final exams for 'phase one'. Following this, we found out where our permanent stations were, this happened around two weeks before we were attested (Graduation with Garda Powers ) at the end of March. Our family and friends were able to come down to the college to watch the attestation and ceremonial parade in Templemore. This signalled the end of 'phase one'.
Phase two
I am currently in 'phase two' and while it’s a really busy time in training, attending classes while working full-time, I am settled in and am enjoying the work. My probation is two years and if it is successful, I will be conferred with a BA degree by the University of Limerick.
I went into the Garda college not knowing anyone. Now, even though we are now stationed all over the country, I’ve left with college having made some lifelong friends, a number of whom I still meet up with.
