At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, provide excellent customer service, and connect communities.
- Company: Arriva Chester is dedicated to serving local communities through reliable transport.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, free bus travel for your family, and a workplace pension.
- Other info: Full training provided; shift-based work includes early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building relationships with customers.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18 with 12 months driving experience and a clean licence.
Trainee Bus Driver
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Chester depot. We provide full paid training, including obtaining the PCV licence through our Arriva Training School.
Pay Rates
- First 3 weeks: £13.45 per hour
- Post‑training (12 months): £13.45 per hour Monday–Saturday (rising to £15.80 after 12 months)
- Sunday: £18.70 per hour (rising to £22.00 after 12 months)
- Bank Holidays: £19.13 per hour (rising to £22.50 after 12 months)
Benefits
- Full paid training and CPC training
- Career progression opportunities
- Flexible rotating shifts, 6–8 weeks in advance
- Free bus travel for you and your family (or a nominee)
- Access to Arriva Village store discounts
- Free staff bus and shuttle services
- Monthly rewards via Mydrive app for top‑performing drivers
Shift Patterns
5 out of 7 rotating shift patterns with mornings starting from 04:00, afternoons from 12:00 and evenings from 18:00. Overtime is available on request.
Requirements
- Over 18 years old with at least 12 months of driving experience
- Valid UK driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points
- Pass a drug and alcohol test
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
Trainee Bus Driver in Chester employer: Arriva Cymru Limited
Arriva Cymru Limited is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering comprehensive paid training for aspiring bus drivers at our Bangor depot. With a supportive work culture, opportunities for career progression into supervisory roles, and the added benefit of free travel for staff and their families, we ensure that our team members feel valued and motivated in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and bus routes. Knowing the streets and landmarks will not only help you during training but also impress your potential employers with your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. Since this role is all about connecting with the community, think of examples from your past experiences where you've provided excellent service or resolved issues for customers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for shift work. Understand that this job requires flexibility in your schedule, so consider how you can manage early mornings, late evenings, and weekends effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for the role during any interviews or discussions. Expressing your passion for driving and helping the community can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand what Arriva Chester is looking for in a Trainee Bus Driver. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, such as customer service and driving experience.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects your relevant experience and skills. Emphasise any customer service roles you've had and your driving experience. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for customer service and community support. Mention why you want to work for Arriva and how you can contribute to their mission of providing excellent service.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Cymru Limited
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
Since the role is all about connecting with customers, be prepared to share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Highlight any experiences where you made a positive impact on someone's day.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Arriva values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you work well with others. Share stories that showcase your ability to collaborate and support your colleagues, especially in challenging situations.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work
The job involves working early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Make sure to express your flexibility and willingness to adapt to different shift patterns during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company
Do some research on Arriva and their commitment to community service. Being knowledgeable about the company will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.