At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses and connect your community while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Arriva, a diverse and inclusive company dedicated to community transport.
- Benefits: Earn competitive pay, enjoy free bus travel, and access discounts.
- Other info: Full training provided, with fantastic career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Become a vital part of your community and make someone's day brighter.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence, and have great people skills.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 17 € per hour.
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Harlow 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
- During Training (the first 4‑6 weeks) – £12.71 per hour.
- Up to 9 months service: £12.71 per hour; Overtime – £13.60 per hour
- 9+ months service – £16.85 per hour; Overtime – £17.85 per hour
What’s in it for you?
- Full paid training where you’ll receive your PCV licence – you’ll go through our Arriva Training School and learn everything you need to know about being a Bus Driver. The training generally lasts about 4 weeks and will take place at our Luton depot (for the first week) and the remainder at Harlow, before you then work with a mentor for a further few weeks.
- Overtime opportunities – extra shifts, bank holidays, all paid at a premium rate.
- Ongoing CPC training.
- Development and great career opportunities – 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 and has a responsibility for transporting our precious cargo ensuring they get to their destinations.
Hours Of Work And Role (once Qualified)
A rotating shift pattern of 5 days in 7, published up to 6‑8 weeks in advance so you can plan around shifts. Mornings start from 04:00, afternoons from 12:00 and evenings from 18:00 on a rotational basis. We cannot offer fixed early, afternoon or evenings separately. Overtime available.
Requirements
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Have a UK driving licence and 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 4 AM but will always work no later than 1 AM depending on the time that you start.
Benefits
- Access to the ‘Arriva Village’, where you can take advantage of store discounts and offers.
- Employee assistance program.
- Free bus travel for you and your family (within the same household).
- Arriva Workplace Pension.
- Fantastic career progression opportunities.
- Long service awards.
- 20 days of holidays plus bank holidays.
At Arriva we acknowledge the importance of our people’s diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success.
Trainee Bus Driver in Essex employer: Arriva Group
Arriva is an exceptional employer for aspiring Bus Drivers, offering comprehensive paid training to obtain your PCV licence and a supportive work environment at our Harlow depot. With a strong focus on community connection, employee development, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we provide numerous career progression opportunities and benefits such as free bus travel for you and your family, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Arriva and their values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with customers daily. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and improve your communication skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible with your availability! Since the shifts can start as early as 4 AM, showing that you're open to different shift patterns will make you a more attractive candidate. Plus, it shows you're ready to jump in and help out!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and training process right there!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for becoming a Bus Driver and how you connect with the community.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Mention any customer service experience or driving history that aligns with what we’re looking for – it’ll make you stand out!
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate a straightforward approach. Keep your application clear and to the point, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role. Avoid fluff and focus on what matters!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the local area and key routes you might be driving. Being able to discuss your knowledge of the community during the interview shows your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with various customers daily. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. This will demonstrate that you understand the importance of building relationships with passengers.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
Understand that the job requires flexibility with shifts starting as early as 4 AM. Be prepared to discuss how you can manage this schedule and any previous experiences that showcase your adaptability.
✨Prepare for the Tests
You'll need to pass an English comprehension test and undergo a drug and alcohol test. Brush up on your English skills and ensure you're aware of the testing process so you can approach it confidently.
