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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with passengers, and ensure safe travel.
- Company: Join Arriva, a community-focused transport company in West Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid training, flexible shifts, free travel for you and family, and discounts.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community while enjoying career growth and support.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a valid UK driving licence, and have great customer service skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for both trainee and experienced drivers with ongoing professional development.
Job Description
Bus Driver Trainee and Experienced
£12.60 - £14.75 per hour
Start Your Bus Driving Career with Arriva at our Wakefield 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 are an experienced PCV Driver or looking to start a new career as a Trainee Bus Driver, we have a role for you.
Did you know Bus Drivers are among the most thanked professionals in the UK? As a Bus Driver, you will build relationships with regular passengers, be a friendly face, and play a vital role in connecting our customers to what matters most. We are 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 Driver - Pay Rate: £12.60 - £14.75 per hour
- £12.60 per hour - During training and mentoring (around 8 weeks).
- £13.20 per hour - 6 months’ probation period.
- £14.75 per hour - after successful probation completion.
Fully Qualified PCV Drivers Pay Rate: £13.20 - £14.75 per hour
- £13.20 per hour for the first 6 months of probation (*Must have 1-year of PCV experience in the last 5 years).
- £14.75 after passing your probation (*Must have 1-year PCV experience to move to a higher rate).
Pay rates reviewed via frequent pay negotiations.
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.
- 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).
- Free staff bus and shuttle services to and from work.
- Monthly rewards through the Mydrive app for top-performing drivers.
- Access to the Arriva Village for store discounts and offers.
Shift Patterns:
- 5 out of 7 rotating shift patterns, planned up to 6-8 weeks in advance so you can plan around shifts.
- Mornings starting from 04:00 am, Afternoons start from 12:00 and Evenings from 18:00 on a rotational basis.
- Overtime available on request.
- We cannot offer fixed early, afternoon or evenings separately.
Requirements:
- You must be over 18 years old with at least 6 months of driving experience.
- You must 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) with no more than 6 penalty points.
- CPC holder (if qualified PCV driver).
- 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 Wakefield depot!
Bus Driver (West Yorkshire) employer: Arriva Yorkshire Limited
Contact Detail:
Arriva Yorkshire Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bus Driver (West Yorkshire)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and bus routes in West Yorkshire. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and understanding of the community you'll serve.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily, so showing that you can handle various situations with a friendly attitude will 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 role 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 (West Yorkshire)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant driving experience and customer service skills. Emphasise any previous roles where you interacted with the public, as this is crucial for a Bus Driver position.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for community service and your desire to connect with passengers. Mention why you want to work for Arriva specifically and how you align with their values.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a PCV licence or CPC qualification, make sure to mention these prominently in your application. If you're a trainee, express your eagerness to obtain these qualifications through their training programme.
Showcase Soft Skills: Bus Drivers need excellent communication and customer service skills. Provide examples in your application of how you've successfully interacted with customers or handled challenging situations in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Yorkshire Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Customer Service
As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with the public daily. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping people and providing excellent customer service during the interview. Share any relevant experiences where you've gone above and beyond for customers.
✨Demonstrate Your Driving Experience
Whether you're a trainee or an experienced driver, it's important to highlight your driving experience. Discuss your familiarity with different driving conditions and any relevant qualifications, such as your UK driving licence and PCV licence if applicable.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations. Think of examples from your past where you successfully managed challenging customer interactions or navigated tricky driving conditions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask questions about the role, team dynamics, or training processes. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if Arriva is the right fit for you.
