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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with the community, and ensure safe journeys for passengers.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leading transport company dedicated to community service and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free bus travel for your family, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying career progression and a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Must have a valid PCV Licence; excellent customer service skills required.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with overtime options and a diverse workplace culture.
Job Description
Start Your Career with Arriva as a PCV Bus Driver – Join a Community That Drives the Future!
Location: Ashington Depot
Pay Rate: £13.25 – £15.85 per hour
Are you a qualified PCV Bus Driver looking for a rewarding career that connects you to your community? Join Arriva at our Ashington depot, where you’ll be an integral part of keeping our community moving. Whether it’s getting commuters to work, helping customers with errands, or ensuring children get to school safely, every journey makes a difference.
As a Bus Driver, you’ll build relationships with familiar faces on your routes and even be the highlight of someone’s day. We take pride in the service we provide and the impact we have on the community, and we’re looking for like-minded individuals to join our team.
What We Offer:
✔️ Competitive Pay:
- Weekdays: £13.55 per hour, rising to £15.40 per hour after six months service*
- Weekends: £14.00 per hour, rising to £15.85 per hour after six months service.
- Bank Holidays: £30 bonus payment
- Pay rates are reviewed regularly through frequent pay negotiations
*Qualified drivers with at least 2 years bus driving experience in the last 5 years will start on £13.55 p/h basic, otherwise the starting rate will be £13.25 p/h
✔️ Additional Benefits:
- 28 days annual leave rising to 33 days
- Overtime opportunities
- Free bus travel for you and your family (within the same household)
- Arriva Workplace Pension
- Onsite gym
- Ongoing CPC training and career development opportunities
- Access to the MyDrive app with monthly rewards (£50 vouchers) for top drivers
- A diverse and inclusive company culture that puts customers first
Hours of Work:
- 5 out of 7 rotating shift patterns, planned up to 6-8 weeks in advance
- Mornings starting from 05:00 and evenings finishing around 01:30
- Overtime available based on request/availability
What We Need From You:
- MUST have a valid PCV Licence – This is a non-negotiable requirement.
(If you don’t have a PCV licence yet, apply for our Trainee role, and we’ll provide paid training to help you get qualified!) - No more than 6 points on your licence
- Ability to pass a drug and alcohol test
- Excellent customer service and people skills
- Flexibility to work various shifts
Why Choose Arriva?
At Arriva, we believe in offering fantastic career progression, development opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference to the community. Whether you want to move into management, support training, or become an expert driver, there’s a place for you here.
We’re more than just a transport company – we’re a diverse and inclusive community, united in providing an essential service to our passengers.
Join us and enjoy the rewards of making a positive impact on the lives of those around you.
Contact Detail:
Arriva Northumbria Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PCV Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and routes serviced by Arriva. Knowing the streets, landmarks, and popular destinations can help you stand out during interviews, as it shows your commitment to the role and your potential to connect with the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your customer service skills in conversations with recruiters. As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily, so demonstrating your ability to handle various situations and provide excellent service will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Arriva employees if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and what they look for in candidates, which can give you an edge when applying for the PCV Bus Driver position.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shift patterns. Since the role requires working various shifts, showing that you're adaptable and willing to accommodate the company's needs can significantly enhance your chances of landing the job.
We think you need these skills to ace PCV Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Qualifications: Make sure to clearly state your valid PCV licence in your application. This is a non-negotiable requirement, so it should be one of the first things the employer sees.
Showcase Customer Service Skills: Since excellent customer service and people skills are essential for this role, include specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to interact positively with customers.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the job description. Emphasise any relevant driving experience, flexibility with shift patterns, and your commitment to community service, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention why you want to work for Arriva specifically and how you can contribute to their mission of serving the community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Northumbria Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Community Service
As a PCV Bus Driver, your role is crucial in connecting the community. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for helping others and how you see yourself making a positive impact on people's daily lives.
✨Highlight Your Customer Service Skills
Excellent customer service is key in this role. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully handled difficult situations or provided exceptional service in previous jobs, showcasing your people skills.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Reliability
The job requires working various shifts, so it's important to convey your flexibility. Discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to different schedules, emphasising your reliability as a driver.
✨Prepare for Safety and Compliance Questions
Safety is paramount in driving roles. Brush up on road safety regulations and be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance with driving laws and company policies, including your ability to pass drug and alcohol tests.
