Garda Recruitment - Garda Trainees (Templemore)

eraj

hi all , if I have quesrtion to ask on stage 2 date , whom I can contact any idea, I have to plan 2 weeks holidays and dnt want tomiss my stage2 exam.

VW73

eraj wrote: »

hi all , if I have quesrtion to ask on stage 2 date , whom I can contact any idea, I have to plan 2 weeks holidays and dnt want tomiss my stage2 exam.

Public jobs office, if you Google public jobs details for contact number there

Canyon86

Hi

Can anybody shed some light on the station placement?
For instance for the 34 week block can you be in Station X and then for the final 34 weeks be sent to station Y? Or is the one station for both ?
I would be interested to hear from recent trainee experiences

Also do the additional allowances Eg night time ,boot ,uniform add up to much ? Or is not worth taking about ?

Many thanks and a happy new year

are you serious

Canyon86 wrote: »

Hi

Can anybody shed some light on the station placement?
For instance for the 34 week block can you be in Station X and then for the final 34 weeks be sent to station Y? Or is the one station for both ?
I would be interested to hear from recent trainee experiences

Also do the additional allowances Eg night time ,boot ,uniform add up to much ? Or is not worth taking about ?

Many thanks and a happy new year

I'm not a recent trainee but I know that its rare to happen but yoursecond 34 weeks can be chaned.

night allowance is worth a lot in comparison to the rest which as you say isnt worth talking about!

vardy98

Hi guys, a little off topic from this thread but did anyone hear anything about the Garda reserve recruiting again, I heard they were going to be recruiting again in January 2017 but I haven't heard anything yet, anyone any ideas, or is what I heard just nonsense talk. Thanks.

carzony

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/garda-to-spend-4-5m-on-facilities-for-new-members-1.2932100

looks to take on thousands in the next few years..

killer91

Hi guys,

Does anyone know what the story is with carrying over pension and years service?

As in if you are coming from another public sector job, can you carry over your pensionable years service? Or do you start off the same as everyone else?

are you serious

killer91 wrote: »

Hi guys,

Does anyone know what the story is with carrying over pension and years service?

As in if you are coming from another public sector job, can you carry over your pensionable years service? Or do you start off the same as everyone else?

I didnt do it but I know it gets carried

killer91

are you serious wrote: »

I didnt do it but I know it gets carried

Thanks, is it only you're pension contributions that are carried or can you carry your years service over?

I.e if you've three years service in a previous public service job, would you have 3 years less to do with the Gards?

As in you do 27 years service instead of the 30 years required to retire on a full pension?

are you serious

killer91 wrote: »

Thanks, is it only you're pension contributions that are carried or can you carry your years service over?

I.e if you've three years service in a previous public service job, would you have 3 years less to do with the Gards?

As in you do 27 years service instead of the 30 years required to retire on a full pension?

Yes a long as you have hit the golden age of 55

Talking pensions, there is serious talk about that the current position of the pension contributions for us is about to change. I dont know the ins and outs of it though.

killer91

are you serious wrote: »

Yes a long as you have hit the golden age of 55

Talking pensions, there is serious talk about that the current position of the pension contributions for us is about to change. I dont know the ins and outs of it though.

Thanks, really appreciate it. Means I'll be able to retire at 55 if I get in this year or even next year.

Well I thought the post 2013 public service employees have a career average earnings based pension anyway unless it's different.

docst

killer91 wrote: »

Thanks, is it only you're pension contributions that are carried or can you carry your years service over?

I.e if you've three years service in a previous public service job, would you have 3 years less to do with the Gards?

As in you do 27 years service instead of the 30 years required to retire on a full pension?

Depends if your in the single public service pension or not

killer91

docst wrote: »

Depends if your in the single public service pension or not

Yes I would be in the single public pension scheme as I joined in 2014.

So would that mean I could carry over the three years and I'd have 3 years less to do?

weadick

killer91 wrote: »

Yes I would be in the single public pension scheme as I joined in 2014.

So would that mean I could carry over the three years and I'd have 3 years less to do?

I think with something like this you might be better off contacting HR directly yourself and sussing it out that way. Ppl on here may be well intentioned but could be giving you the wrong info. I am actually in a similar situ as yourself and I have yet to find out what the story is. Being able to retire at 60 would be a big incentive to join. As it stands at the moment I will be working until I am nearly 70!

killer91

weadick wrote: »

I think with something like this you might be better off contacting HR directly yourself and sussing it out that way. Ppl on here may be well intentioned but could be giving you the wrong info. I am actually in a similar situ as yourself and I have yet to find out what the story is. Being able to retire at 60 would be a big incentive to join. As it stands at the moment I will be working until I am nearly 70!

Well as far as I know you've to serve 30 years or a minimum age of 55.

I called Appointments and they couldn't really she'd any light on it, they told me to ring Garda pensions.

It depends on what public service department you're in also.

Some departments would not pay the same amount into you're pension I.e the prison service or the defence forces would pay higher than civil service departments.

Bullonabike17

Just wondering folks, is there anywhere to store a bicycle in the college ? I wouldn't mind being able to get out on the bike after classes.

are you serious

Bullonabike17 wrote: »

Just wondering folks, is there anywhere to store a bicycle in the college ? I wouldn't mind being able to get out on the bike after classes.

There is a bike shed/smoking shed around the back on the left when you go in the gates.. alternatively your room...

Edmundomee

Might seem like a random question but I'm starting a job in the college from mid September. I'll be commuting from Limerick Monday-Friday. Wouldn't mind sharing the commute with someone. From your time in the college would there be many commuting from Limerick?

Edmundomee

Might seem like a random question but I'm starting a job in the college from mid September. I'll be commuting from Limerick Monday-Friday. Wouldn't mind sharing the commute with someone. From your time in the college would there be many commuting from Limerick?

MrBlack93

Edmundomee wrote: »

Might seem like a random question but I'm starting a job in the college from mid September. I'll be commuting from Limerick Monday-Friday. Wouldn't mind sharing the commute with someone. From your time in the college would there be many commuting from Limerick?

It would only be students posting in these forums and TBH nobody who enters the college as a student would post here anymore.

Your best bet would be to find someone to commute with when you start working.

best of luck

mbeire

For anyone interested. The following is a breakdown of the Garda Divisions where the newly attested Recruits have been sent since 2014, as their first area. It is usually the District HQ stations where they were sent.


DIVISION ALLOCATIONS SINCE 2014
D.M.R. EAST 52
D.M.R. NORTH 90
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL 108
D.M.R. SOUTH 96
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL 106
D.M.R. WEST 103
KILDARE 60
LAOIS / OFFALY 56
MEATH 36
WESTMEATH 27
WICKLOW 18
CAVAN / MONAGHAN 26
DONEGAL 22
LOUTH 59
SLIGO / LEITRIM 13
KILKENNY/CARLOW 40
TIPPERARY 36
WATERFORD 39
WEXFORD 42
CORK CITY 25
CORK NORTH 10
CORK WEST 15
KERRY 20
LIMERICK 33
CLARE 20
GALWAY 9
MAYO 13
ROSCOMMON / LONGFORD 5
TOTALS 1179

Source

vardy98

So is that how many recruits have went through the college at present. I see 181 new recruits have graduated yesterday. Has anyonever any idea what the strenght of the force it now? They were wanting to bring it upour to 15,000 weren't they?

Eire_1600

vardy98 wrote: »

So is that how many recruits have went through the college at present. I see 181 new recruits have graduated yesterday. Has anyonever any idea what the strenght of the force it now? They were wanting to bring it upour to 15,000 weren't they?

It is currently 14,300 according to Wikipedia (Don't think that's including yesterday's 181 graduates)

carzony

Eire_1600 wrote: »

It is currently 14,300 according to Wikipedia (Don't think that's including yesterday's 181 graduates)

They really increased the amount of Gardai very quickly. Saying that i've not noticed an increase on the streets?

JC43

181?
What would be the typical reasons that 19 didn't go through ?
Just wondering ...
don't they take on 200 each term

Eire_1600

JC43 wrote: »

181?
What would be the typical reasons that 19 didn't go through ?
Just wondering ...
don't they take on 200 each term

I don't know how many they take on each time but I do remember reading an article about trainee Garda and it said usually a few will drop out but again, I don't know if that's true

Canyon86

JC43 wrote: »

181?
What would be the typical reasons that 19 didn't go through ?
Just wondering ...
don't they take on 200 each term

Injuries during training/failing exams/dropouts/

mbeire

vardy98 wrote: »

So is that how many recruits have went through the college at present. I see 181 new recruits have graduated yesterday. Has anyonever any idea what the strenght of the force it now? They were wanting to bring it upour to 15,000 weren't they?

The figure of 1179 (correct as of 11 September 2017) is how many new recruits completed Phase 1 training in the College and sent out to stations for phase 2.

As per the link, by 2021 the Government want 15,000 full time Gardai, 2,000 Reserve members, and 4,000 civilians. So a total workforce of 21,000.

Eire_1600 wrote: »

It is currently 14,300 according to Wikipedia (Don't think that's including yesterday's 181 graduates)

As per the following report, as of 31 July 2017, excluding students and the recent graduation, there is only a total of 12,881 full time active Gardai.

carzony wrote: »

They really increased the amount of Gardai very quickly. Saying that i've not noticed an increase on the streets?

Of course you haven't noticed an increase as in reality the number of new recruits is just slightly higher than the numbers of Gardai retiring. Sticking with published official figures, since 2014 until 11 Sept 2017, there were 1179 new Gardai attested and put onto the streets, some still in training and only allowed to shadow. During the same period, 993 Gardai retired. So IMO the organisation only increased by 186 Gardai.


IMO, As Gardai work a 5 shift roster over a 24 hour period, that equates to an increase of about 37 on the street nationally at any one time since 2014. The national increase of 37 Gardai across the 28 Garda Divisions means, an increase of man power per division of just over 1 Garda each per rostered shift.

If you wanted to go deeper into the figures you might even show that regular front line uniformed Garda numbers have decreased as the more senior Gardai are being moved from regular uniformed policing into specialised areas such as the newish Armed Support Unit in Dublin about (50-70 Garda), the new Divisional Protective Services Units, 52 Gardai since June 207, with a further 325 Gardai expected at the begining of 2018. Also there is the advertised increase of national specialised units that target organised crime etc.

Those new units have wiped out the reported "increase" in Garda numbers. Other than for financial reasons, I cant see any slow down of intakes into the Garda College. I would even say that they probably cant get enough Gardai through the college.

vardy98

Any idea when the next recruitment campaign will be????

mbeire

vardy98 wrote: »

Any idea when the next recruitment campaign will be????

In a short answer, no one really knows, however...

There is about 1,352 applicants currently going through vetting, medical, physicals, and waiting for a place in Templemore.

Further to the above, the May 2017 campaign had 5,399 applicants. From that campaign, those who pass the interview stage will then join the above number waiting for the other stages conducted by the Gardai mentioned above.


The September 2016 had 5,197 applicants of which only 963 progressed pass the interview stage, so a similar number will probably make it through for the May campaign.

As the Sept 2016 and May 2017 campaigns both had simular number of applicants, I'd expect that trend to continue, which would suggest a new campaign early in the new year.

mbeire

Canyon86 wrote: »

Injuries during training/failing exams/dropouts/

An average of 2 people per intake don't finish with their group, either fail aspects of the training, dropout or just quit.

mbeire

Eire_1600 wrote: »

I don't know how many they take on each time but I do remember reading an article about trainee Garda and it said usually a few will drop out but again, I don't know if that's true

Correct as of 26 July 2017.

Intake of Garda Trainees and Attested Garda Trainees - 2014 - 2017
Year Month Intake Attestation
2014 September 100 -
December 100 -
2015 February 101 -
April - 99
July - 97
August 100 -
September - 100
October 75 -
November 75 -
2016 March - 99
April 150 -
June 151 -
July - 146
September 152 -
November 203 148
2017 February 197 150
April - 142
May 210 -
July - 198
Total 1614 1179

pah

They're going to have to dish out more outside the capital

mbeire

Usually a high number of recruits get sent to Dublin to gain experience. They then ship the more senior Gardai down the country. I believe the newish report on Student Probationer training recommended recruits are sent to bigger stations as there is more exposure to a higher number of incidents. Hence why recruits from Templemore are sent to District and Divisional headquarters stations and not sleepy hollows.

Limerick1937

Hi Lads, sorry for dragging up an old thread.

I am optimistic enough about getting a place at some stage in 2018.

I was looking at some of the posts further back regarding shopping lists.

Has anyone any idea what type of laptop and software is required? something basic or mid range?

Black Friday 'sales' and all
Thanks.

Killinator

As long as it runs word/PowerPoint and has internet it'll do the job

Limerick1937

Killinator wrote: »

As long as it runs word/PowerPoint and has internet it'll do the job

Nice one thanks!

vardy98

mbeire wrote: »

vardy98 wrote: »

Any idea when the next recruitment campaign will be????

In a short answer, no one really knows, however...

There is about 1,352 applicants currently going through vetting, medical, physicals, and waiting for a place in Templemore.

Further to the above, the May 2017 campaign had 5,399 applicants. From that campaign, those who pass the interview stage will then join the above number waiting for the other stages conducted by the Gardai mentioned above.


The September 2016 had 5,197 applicants of which only 963 progressed pass the interview stage, so a similar number will probably make it through for the May campaign.

As the Sept 2016 and May 2017 campaigns both had simular number of applicants, I'd expect that trend to continue, which would suggest a new campaign early in the new year.

Anyone idea how many candidates are waiting to go in and on stages now including June 17?

mbeire

As of 1st Feb 2018; the Garda side are are processing 1,172 applicants though vetting/medical/physical/waiting-on-start-date/etc.

These are the numbers across all five campaigns since 2014,
4,199 Pass Interview Etc. by PAS
814 Failed vetting/medical/physical or withdrew from competition
2,213 Started/Finished training in Garda College
1,172 waiting on vetting/medical/physical/waiting-start-date/etc

job seeker

mbeire wrote: »

As of 1st Feb 2018; the Garda side are are processing 1,172 applicants though vetting/medical/physical/waiting-on-start-date/etc.

These are the numbers across all five campaigns since 2014,
4,199 Pass Interview Etc. by PAS
814 Failed vetting/medical/physical or withdrew from competition
2,213 Started/Finished training in Garda College
1,172 waiting on vetting/medical/physical/waiting-start-date/etc

It's strange that people failed vetting! Never heard of that before..

mbeire

These has been a few boards.ie users who have received the "generally unsuitable" letters. https://www.boards.ie/search/submit/?subforums=1&forum=1081&query=unsuitable

Spon Farmer

If a trainee is married or has a family can they live with them or do he/she have to live in the college accommodation?

macmathuna1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120259700#Comment_120259700

Have to live in college.

Whether you were from Donegal or templemore.

Between 5-11pm you can leave college and do what you want.

If required you can request a curfew exemption for something necessary. But these are for one night at a time.

Sierra Oscar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120260169#Comment_120260169

if you live within a certain radius of the college you will be allowed to reside at home, but you're talking Templemore and the surrounding towns lands. Even at that you probably wouldn't be allowed until after the first few weeks.

macmathuna1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120264133#Comment_120264133

I live in thurles with a family and this is not an option.

Also fella who lives 3 houses away from the college in templemore and this is not an option.

Witcher

It used to be, pre Covid

Aquos76

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but do trainee Garda get access to office 365 does anyone know. A friends daughter started a few weeks ago and he asked me to sort out Microsoft office on her laptop, I just assumed that as a student they’d get office 365 for free

Irishguy215702

Just a few things for applicants to consider when applying for the job and need to go into it with eyes open:

i wont even get into it if you're joining and between ages of 35 to 50, you'll need to get checked into a hospital not the garda college.

Pension: many people join thinking the pension is great. we get fed this from our parents who are basing it on their era from their age. anyone joining post 2013 the pension is disgraceful. you will get about 215-230 euro a week when you reture at 60, which is in line with the old age pension which everyone in none state jobs get. when you join a station you will quickly be told of this and advised to pay into your own AVC to supplement your poor pension. this fact is kept very quiet as it no doubt will affect peoples thinking when applying for this job and correctly so. the lump sum payment at retirement has also been slashed since 2013. nobody realises this and isnt publicised about in the media nor will you find it marketed by them as a reason to join as it doesnt exist anymore. people are walking in blind thinking great pension setting me up for life

work life balance - won't be able to plan things for your days off due to required court appearances/ taking calls on work on days off also and also if you are sent to a call at the end of your last shift and arrest you have to work on into your day off to tie it up.

 

Rosters: as you may have read rosters are under discussion. despite the current one proposed being rejected by the GRA for non core units to be working 78 days extra a year working 7 days on, 2 days off, 7 days on 3 days off on 9 to 5 hrs, and lose thousands due to not working to non social hours. this new roster is still going live despite rejection from the people it affects most resulting in extra childcare fees due to working more days, fuel costs for travelling to work more often. management have power to do this without consent which is shocking in the day and age of work life balance and 4 day weeks being considered by private sector employers now.

 

Work: I appreciate many have wanted to do this since childhood and want it desperately for whatever is their reasons. if its for the day to day work then be prepared that it is all paper work orientated. everything is reports, duplication and beurocracy which snows everyone under. helping decent people is actually rare who for the majority will rarely come into contact with them in their lives but to get passports sorted etc. you will mainly be refereeing domestics with people who call you to get one over on an ex partner due to child custody or if its current partners they will later withdraw complaints but for it to start again further down the line, mental health persons which you are not trained to deal with, frauds which you will be beating your head off a wall trying to progress but cant due to banks delaying you and outside of this any other crimes tend to be between one low life against another one or wrestling with drunk lads on cold rainy nights out facing being attacked.

morale is rock bottom in the job, people are resigning in their droves as they see the realities and the work load expected of them, the day of staying in the job until retirement is in the past now which used to be the case for sure. i know many will view this as overly negative summary of the job so what i would advise is before following through with it talk to others you know in the job and hear what they have to say first. i dont know anyone in it that would recommend it anyways.

JKerova1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121736961#Comment_121736961

I agree 100% with everything said here.

Killinator

I will jump in and say that most of the above is spot on, but every now and again, it's a f--king amazing job!!!