Stories from the Frontline

Attending the Emergency Services & Military Expo was the genuine turning point for me. Speaking with the people there gave me the clarity and confidence to finally establish my own coaching and speaking business.

To have since returned to that same stage as a keynote speaker — sharing insights on resilience and daily habits with fellow service members — is a testament to the community Stephen and his team have built.

It isn't just an event; it's a launchpad for the next chapter of your life.

To date I have attended 3 Expos in Dublin and Athlone. I became aware of this brilliant and innovative initiative which was set up by former garda Stephen Moore in 2023. I have come across many mature learners over the years, who have served in the defence forces and emergency services. I immediately thought that Out of The Blue was an amazing pathway for such people looking to move to new career options.

What was at first intended for retirees, Out of The Blue is now catering for individuals considering a career in An Garda Siochana, and the other state security services. So, anyone interested can have access to guidance in interview preparation, fitness preparation facilitated by former garda personnel some of whom served in the Garda College in Templemore.

When you attend one of these events you can network on a different level, I have lost count of the number of business cards I brought home with me on each occasion. This event is getting bigger all the time as people that are considering making a career transition hear about it and can have the opportunity to visit the large number of stands made up of recruitment agencies, new technology, hardware and IT etc.

Perhaps for me, one of the main highlights is the number of exceptional speakers that are in attendance, some of whom served in the gardai, police services, other services and the military and have cultivated new career choices for themselves. So therefore, I strongly urge anyone who is interested, watch out for the social media announcements, you will not be disappointed.

The Emergency Services & Military Expo is a hugely positive experience for any Frontline personnel transitioning into the civilian sector. It is a well-organised and professionally run event. It highlights the importance of the skills that are required in civilian employment today and how easy Emergency personnel can blend with their own experiences and skills.

The standard of experienced orators was very high and I found it very interesting to hear how they were translating specialised experience into industry-friendly language, focusing on leadership, discipline, and adaptability. One orator explained about transferable skills including, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving under pressure, and logistical planning.

Key transferable skills from a military perspective: Leadership & Management — Experience in leading teams, managing diverse groups, and making high-stakes decisions.

I would highly recommend the Emergency Services & Military Expos to any member of Front Line Services thinking of transition or merely to hear the experience of others who have done so successfully.

I have attended a number of the Emergency Services & Military Expos run by Out of the Blue Training, and I can honestly say they are the premium networking event in Ireland for anyone working in the emergency services or military.

What sets these expos apart is the quality of everything on offer. The speakers at each event are genuine experts in their fields, and I have taken away fantastic, practical advice every single time. You leave feeling informed, motivated, and better equipped — whether you're thinking about career progression, transition, or simply looking to grow your network.

As someone who is both a working member of the emergency services and a business owner, I find the expos incredibly valuable on both fronts. The networking opportunities are first class. You're in a room full of like-minded, driven professionals, and the connections you make are real and meaningful.

I would highly recommend the Emergency Services & Military Expo to anyone currently serving in the emergency services or military — and equally to any company that wants to put their brand in front of this exceptional audience. You won't find a better, more focused platform to do it.

Out of the Blue Training have built something truly special here. Long may it continue.

It has always been a pleasure to be a guest speaker and presenter at the Emergengy Services & Military Expo, founded by Stephen Moore and his team, and professionally hosted by Alan Short.

The Expo provides a fantastic opportunity for current and former members of the emergency and uniformed services to come together, explore career progression, promotion opportunities, and life beyond the services. As a presenter, I have had many meaningful and engaging conversations with people about identifying their transferable skills, adapting to new careers, and recognising the value, resilience, leadership, and experience they bring from their service careers.

Having presented at the Expo on three occasions, I have met some truly inspiring people and have seen first-hand the positive impact the event has on those exploring their next step, both within and beyond the uniformed services.

I believe the Out of the Blue Expo is an invaluable and supportive event for anyone navigating career development and transition.