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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with passengers, and ensure safe journeys.
- Company: Join Arriva, a community-focused transport company dedicated to excellent service.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid training, flexible shifts, free travel for you and family, and discounts.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community and enjoy a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have driving experience, and great customer service skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and ongoing professional development.
Bus Driver
£12.92 – £15.46 per hour
Start Your Bus Driving Career with Arriva at our Ashington depot– PCV and Trainee Opportunities Available!
At Arriva, you’ll be at the heart of your community, helping commuters get to work, children to school, and neighbours to the shops. Whether you’re an experienced PCV Driver or looking to start a new career as a Trainee Bus Driver, we have a role for you.
As a Bus Driver, you’ll build relationships with regular passengers, be a friendly face, and play a vital role in connecting our customers to what matters most. Did you know Bus Drivers are among the most thanked professionals in the UK?
We’re proud of our customer service and the support we provide to the community. If you’re a like-minded individual with a passion for people, we’d love to have you on our team!
Pay Rates:
Trainee Drivers
• Monday to Friday: £12.92 per hour rising to £13.24 after 12 months and then rising again to £15.01 after 24 months.
• Weekends: £13.37 per hour rising to £13.69 after 12 months and then rising again to £15.46 after 24 months.
• Bank Holidays: £30 in additional bonus paid per shift.
Fully Qualified PCV Drivers
• Monday to Friday: £13.24 per hour, rising to £15.01 per hour after 6 months service.
• Weekends: £13.69 per hour, rising to £15.46 per hour after 6 months service.
What’s in It for You?
• Trainee Drivers: Full paid training, including obtaining your PCV licence through our Arriva Training School.
• Ongoing CPC training for all drivers and professional development opportunities.
• Career progression into management, support training, or becoming an expert driver.
• Flexible and rotating shifts planned 6-8 weeks in advance.
• Free bus travel for you and your family (or a nominee).
• Access to the Arriva Village for store discounts and offers.
• Free staff bus and shuttle services to and from work.
• Monthly rewards through the Mydrive app for top-performing drivers.
Shift Patterns:
• 5 out of 7 rotating shifts planned, with 1 in 3 weekends off, including 1 in 6 as a long weekend (Thursday to Sunday).
• Morning shifts starting at 04:00, and evenings ending by 01:30.
• Overtime available on request.
Requirements:
• Be over 18 years old with at least 6 months of driving experience.
• Hold a valid UK driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points.
• Pass a drug and alcohol test.
• Great customer service and communication skills.
• Hold a full PCV licence (if qualified PCV driver).
• No more than 6 penalty points.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills.
Why Join Arriva?
At Arriva, we’re not just connecting passengers; we’re creating a community that values inclusion and diversity. Whether you’re an experienced driver or starting your journey as a trainee, you’ll enjoy paid training, enhanced pay rates, and a supportive team environment where you can thrive.
Take the wheel of your future—apply today and become part of the Arriva family at our Ashington depot!
Contact Detail:
Arriva Northumbria Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and bus routes. Knowing the streets, landmarks, and popular destinations will not only help you during the interview but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily, so demonstrating your ability to handle various situations with a friendly attitude can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions in the interview. Think about how you would handle difficult passengers or unexpected situations on the road, as this will showcase your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former bus drivers if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the job and the company culture, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Bus Driver at Arriva. Familiarise yourself with the job description and requirements to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have previous driving experience or customer service roles, be sure to highlight these in your CV. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role of a Bus Driver.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your passion for the role and your commitment to excellent customer service. Mention why you want to work for Arriva and how you can contribute to their community-focused mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Northumbria Limited
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the local area and key bus routes. Being able to discuss your knowledge of the community during the interview will show your commitment to the role and your potential as a friendly face for passengers.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
Since this role is all about connecting with people, be prepared to share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. This could include handling difficult situations or going the extra mile for customers.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Safety is paramount in driving. Be ready to discuss your understanding of road safety regulations and how you ensure the safety of your passengers. Mention any relevant experience or training that highlights your commitment to safe driving.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, training opportunities, and shift patterns. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
