Emergency services and armed forces: career FAQs

Your questions answered about graduate careers in emergency services and armed forces, including getting a job, applications, working life and salaries.

How can I get a job in emergency services and armed forces?

All of the organisations in this sector recruit annually and directly, so the relevant website should be your first research point. Entry is very competitive and, as with any career, work experience is an ideal way to get both a taste for the career and to improve your chances of success. You can gain relevant experience from volunteering with organisations such as the Civil Defence Auxilary Fire Service, the FCA, Territorial Army (Northern Ireland), Mountain Rescue or the Lifeboat Service.

Work experience in emergency services and armed forces

What are the different areas of work?

In the Republic of Ireland, the emergency services consist of An Garda Siochana, the ambulance service and the fire service. The armed forces comprise the army, air force and naval service.

In Northern Ireland, the emergency services are the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Ambulance Service of Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade. The armed forces opportunities are far greater in the north than the south because there is access to the British Army, Navy and Air force. These are far bigger forces and far more active internationally.

Careers in emergency services and armed forces

What’s involved in the application process?

There is usually quite a long application process. Because these organisations undertake an extensive training commitment to new recruits, they spend a lot of time ensuring that they are recruiting the correct people. The typical stages include:

  • Completing an application form (a CV is rarely requested)
  • A general interview
  • Assessment/aptitude tests – these usually include verbal, numerical, spatial and mechanical reasoning
  • A personality questionnaire
  • Second round interviews
  • Medical and reference checks.

When should I apply?

The dates can vary for recruitment but they will be clearly publicised on the relevant web sites and in the national press – you have to keep an eye out. The Defence Forces in the Republic of Ireland tend to recruit in January/February every year.

Application deadlines for emergency services and armed forces

What qualifications and skills do I need to work in emergency services and armed forces?

These sectors focus far more on the key skills required to be successful rather than on formal academic qualifications. So, while a degree is advantageous, it is by no means a requirement as extensive training is also provided.

The key skills include:

  • Planning and organising/prioritising
  • Problem solving and decision making – often in pressurised situations
    information management – absorbing information and targeting relevant content
  • Communication skills – working within a team environment
  • Capacity to lead/supervise as your career progresses.

It is also necessary to be mentally and physically resilient.

What are the opportunities for professional development?

Within these sectors, practical, skills-based training is undertaken on an ongoing basis. Some people pursue a business/management career as they move up through the ranks of the armed forces, where they focus on developing their strategic, financial or management ability.

What are the salaries in emergency services and armed forces?

In the Republic of Ireland, for the army (cadetships) and police, after the initial training period, earnings start at around €28,000. However, ambulance service personnel usually earn less than this. All of these salaries are within clearly defined pay scales and take-home earnings can be increased as a result of overtime, night duty, shift allowances etc. Northern Ireland armed forces salaries are on an entry scale of between £15,000– £20,000.

Salaries in emergency services and armed forces

What is working life like?

Shift hours are the norm throughout these sectors and this requires flexibility. The working environment is very ‘hands on’: there are relatively few roles which are desk based. International travel can be a requirement. When people are interested in these sectors usually they ‘buy in’ to the working conditions as they are an integral aspect of the job.

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