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- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with the community, and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leading transport provider dedicated to community service and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy full training, gym access, free bus travel for your family, and competitive pay.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community while enjoying great career progression and a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have 6 months driving experience, and pass a drug test.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with overtime options and a chance to win monthly rewards.
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Ashington depot, where you will be at the heart of your community! Whether it is getting commuters to work, helping customers with popping to the shops or getting children to school - we provide an important service in connecting our customers to what matters to them.
As a Bus Driver, you will get to know the familiar faces on your routes, build relationships and even be the highlight of someone’s day. Did you know that Bus Drivers are one of the most thanked jobs in the UK? We are proud of our customer service and how we support our community - and we would love to have like-minded individuals as part of our team.
Pay Rate: £13.25 - £15.85 per hour
- Weekdays - £13.25 first 12 months, £13.55 between 12-24 months service and then £15.40 per hour
- Weekends - £13.70 first 12 months, £14.00 between 12-24 months service and then £15.85 per hour
- Bank Holiday - £30 bonus paid per shift.
What’s in it for you?
- Full paid training where you will receive your PCV licence - you will go through our Arriva Training School and learn everything you need to know about being a Bus Driver. The training generally lasts approx. 4 weeks and will take place at our Ashington depot, before you then work with a mentor for a further few weeks.
- Ongoing CPC training.
- 28 days annual leave rising to 33 days.
- Onsite gym.
- Development and great career opportunities - whether that’s into management, support training, or as an expert driver.
- Working for an inclusive and diverse company that puts our customers at the heart of what we do.
- Access to the Mydrive app where you can win a £50 voucher monthly for the top 2 Bus Drivers in the area.
Hours of work and role:
- A rotating shift pattern of 5 days in 7, published up to 6-8 weeks in advance.
- Mornings starting from 04:00, Afternoons start from 12:00 and Evenings from 18:00 on a rotational basis.
- Overtime available at request/availability.
Requirements:
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Have been driving for a minimum of 6 months.
- No more than 6 points on your licence.
- Will need to undergo a drug and alcohol test before your assessment.
- Will need to pass an English comprehension test.
- Great people skills.
- Flexibility as your shifts will start as early as 4AM in the morning but will always work no later than 1AM depending on the time that you start.
Benefits:
- Fantastic career progression and training opportunities.
- Free to use staff bus operates a route around the Ashington area in the mornings and evenings.
- Access to the 'Arriva Village', where you can take advantage of store discounts and offers.
- Free bus travel for you and your family (within the same household).
- An onsite gym at our Ashington depot.
- Arriva Workplace Pension.
- Enhanced rates of pay.
- Long service awards.
- Access to the Mydrive app and road safety scheme where you can get rewarded a £50 voucher monthly for being the top Arriva driver.
At Arriva we strive for inclusion and diversity, we are a community that brings everyone together, not just our passengers.
Trainee Bus Driver (Ashington) employer: Arriva Northumbria Limited
Contact Detail:
Arriva Northumbria Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver (Ashington)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area around Ashington. Knowing the routes and key landmarks will not only help you during your training but also impress your interviewers with your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with various passengers daily, so demonstrating your ability to handle different situations with a friendly attitude can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the flexibility required in this role. Highlighting your willingness to work early mornings, late evenings, and weekends can show that you're ready to meet the demands of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to current or former Arriva employees to gain insights about the company culture and expectations. This knowledge can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver (Ashington)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Trainee Bus Driver. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, especially any customer service roles or driving experience. Emphasise your people skills and flexibility, as these are crucial for this position.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to work for Arriva specifically and how you can contribute to their community-focused mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and presented clearly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Northumbria Limited
✨Show Your People Skills
As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with various passengers daily. Highlight your customer service experience and how you handle different situations with kindness and patience.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The role requires early starts and late finishes. Be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to the rotating shift pattern, showing that you're ready for the demands of the job.
✨Know the Company Values
Arriva prides itself on community service and inclusivity. Research their values and be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs, showcasing your commitment to serving the community.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Since you'll need to pass a driving assessment, brush up on your driving skills and be ready to discuss your driving history. Mention any relevant experience that demonstrates your ability to handle a bus safely.
