Apprentices are taken in to the Defence Forces as required. The only way to apply for the Apprentice competition is when it is advertised in the national press and on our website.

Application

Potential Candidates are required to complete an online application form through this website. The dates for the competition are advertised in the National Papers and on this website with applications only being accepted on these dates. All correspondence with applicants will be done through email for the duration of the competition.

Fitness Testing

All candidates who meet the minimum eligibility criteria will then be invited to attend a Fitness Testing centre, where they will be required to complete the Defence Forces induction fitness test.

Interview

Candidates who are successful at the Fitness & Psychometric Assessment Centres will be asked to attend for Interview. The interview is competency based where Candidates will be assessed under the following competencies:-

• Ability to work under pressure

• Teamwork

• Motivation     

• Career Orientation

Medical & Security Clearance

The top scoring candidates at the Interview will then be called to attend a full medical examination. In conjunction with this all candidates will be security vetted by An Garda Siochana. Candidates will be required to pass both the medical examination and security vetting to be considered for induction.

Award of an Apprenticeship

The candidates who finished at the top of the competitions order of merit will then be offered an Apprenticeship.