At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses and help your community get around safely and efficiently.
- Company: Join Go North East, a leading bus company with a strong team spirit.
- Benefits: Earn competitive pay, enjoy overtime opportunities, and receive full training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: No bus driving experience needed; just 6 months of car driving experience required.
- Other info: Flexible location options available across various garages in the region.
The predicted salary is between 25796 - 30095 £ per year.
Join the Elite Driver Academy and serve your community with pride! Being a bus driver is a job with real purpose, and days are never the same as you’re out and about driving around the region. Our drivers help people to get out and about whether that’s to work or school, a night out or a trip to the shops or doctors, so it’s a really important job and our garages are real communities in their own right with a real team spirit.
What will I earn?
- Existing PCV licence holders joining the company will earn £14.84 per hour (£30,095) from day one.
- Non PCV licence holders start on £12.21 per hour rising to £12.72 per hour once qualified (approx 4 weeks). This increases to £14.84 per hour after a year in the job.
- This takes the basic annual wage for Go North East bus drivers on a guaranteed 39 hour week to £25,796 in the first year and £30,095 after year one (or from day one for existing licence holders).
- Overtime is also regularly available if you’d like to boost your earnings - it’s not uncommon for drivers to earn around £33,500 a year!
Where will I be based?
Almost 2,000 people work at the company, driving and maintaining its fleet of 500 buses at garages across the region in Gateshead, Sunderland, Washington, North Tyneside, Hexham and Consett. We have ongoing vacancies at most locations and you can request which location you’d like to work at and we will try and accommodate or offer you the nearest location of your choice.
Do I need to have a bus driving licence to apply?
No previous bus driving experience is required to become a bus driver, thanks to our award-winning in-house Training Academy, where full training is provided. All we ask is that you have a minimum 6 months' car driving experience. We’ll teach you how to drive a bus, put you through your bus driving test, whilst also covering accessibility and customer services training. Ongoing training will also be provided.
Contact Detail:
Go North East Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area where you want to work. Knowing the routes, landmarks, and key locations can give you an edge during interviews, showing your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any customer service experience you have. 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.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former bus drivers through social media or local community groups. They can provide insights into the job and company culture, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your driving experience in detail. Even if it's just car driving, being able to articulate your skills and how they translate to bus driving will show your potential as a candidate.
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 what being a bus driver entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the importance of the role in serving the community.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don't have bus driving experience, emphasise your car driving experience and any customer service roles you've held. This will show that you have the necessary skills to interact with passengers effectively.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Focus on your driving experience, teamwork, and any relevant training or certifications.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to be a bus driver and how you can contribute to the team spirit and community service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Go North East
✨Show Your Passion for Community Service
As a bus driver, you'll be serving your community, so it's essential to express your enthusiasm for helping others during the interview. Share any relevant experiences where you've made a positive impact in your community.
✨Highlight Your Driving Experience
Even if you don't have bus driving experience, emphasise your car driving experience. Mention how long you've been driving and any safe driving records you may have, as this will demonstrate your capability behind the wheel.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the company values team spirit, be prepared to discuss how you work well in a team. Share examples of past experiences where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, showcasing your ability to fit into their community.
✨Prepare for Customer Service Scenarios
Customer service is a big part of being a bus driver. Think of potential scenarios you might face while on the job and how you would handle them. This will show that you're ready to provide excellent service to passengers.