KCFE launches first ever pre-training course for budding gardaí

IN a national first Kerry College of Education in Tralee have launched a new pre-training course for people interested in joining the Gardaí.

The Pre-Garda Programme of Study – designed in conjunction with the gardaí will be offered at the college from next September.

The aim of this programme is that when KCFE Pre-Garda students graduate they will be ideal candidates to apply and progress to the Garda College in Templemore, subject to meeting the relevant qualification criteria.

Members of the Kerry Garda Division will deliver presentations to students who will also visit Templemore.

Tralee Community Sergeant Eileen O’Sullivan has been instrumental in designing the course and Community Garda Aidan O’Mahony will be one of the main gardaí involved in delivering the course.

“A large number of students are not suitable or interested in the courses that they are studying on and this results in students dropping out or failing exams or alternatively not working in careers for which they are fully trained or qualified for,” said KCFE Principal Mary Lucey.

“This project will be of huge benefit to the applicants and to the Gardai as those genuinely suited and passionate about the career will emerge successfully from the programme,” Mary Lucey said.