FOR THOSE WHO SERVED

From service to security.

Leaving the Defence Forces or An Garda Síochána? Your discipline, vetting and calm under pressure are exactly what this industry pays for. Here is the honest map from where you are to your first licensed role.

FROM THE FOUNDER — I MADE THIS EXACT MOVE

I served with the British Army, including operational tours, before leaving in 2006 with no map for civilian life. The security industry became mine: the doors first, then close protection, then a decade running security and investigations for Grafton Group. Nobody handed me a route in — I had to find every step myself. This page is the map I wish someone had given me the week I handed back my kit.

And here is what I know about you: service gives you an eye for the small things — polished boots, a bed made properly, standing straight on parade. That attention to detail is exactly what the security industry runs on. You are made for this work — and you will not be long moving up and getting promoted. — Tom Batkin, Founder

Tom on operations with the British Army

On operations with the British Army

What your service transfers to

Ex-Defence Forces

Infantry and operational experience maps directly to close protection, corporate security and static guarding. Team drills become event and door teams. Radio discipline becomes control-room and mobile patrol work. The habits the Forces gave you — timekeeping, presentation, staying switched on through long quiet hours — are the exact traits employers on this platform shortlist for.

Ex-Garda

Investigation experience is gold in retail loss prevention and corporate investigations. Community policing translates to corporate front-of-house and residential security. Statement-taking and evidential report writing put you ahead on any incident-heavy site — and licensed investigative and consultancy work values your background above any other.

The licence path — the honest version

Straight talk: service experience does not exempt you from PSA or SIA licensing — everyone takes the same route, and it is quicker than you think.

1
Train with an approved provider
Republic of Ireland: complete the required QQI training for your chosen sector with a PSA-approved training provider. Northern Ireland: complete the SIA licence-linked qualification with an approved trainer. Either way — typically days, not months.
2
Apply for your licence — PSA or SIA
Apply to the PSA (Private Security Authority) for roles in the Republic, or to the SIA (Security Industry Authority) for Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Many professionals hold both and work across the island.
3
Register here — and let the jobs find you
Create your free profile, set your licence type and county, and every matching role emails you the moment it goes live. Employers can also see matched candidates and invite you to apply directly.

The pay reality: security in Ireland has a statutory pay floor — the Employment Regulation Order sets a legal minimum of €15.41/hour for security officers, with a €20 unsocial-hours premium per night shift, and every job on this platform shows its rate openly. Current live roles run €15.41–€18.50/hour.