At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a front-line ambassador, supporting customers and ensuring their journeys are safe and enjoyable.
- Company: Join Arriva, a community-focused company that values customer service and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid training, free bus travel, discounts, and fantastic career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with overtime options and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while driving and connecting with your community.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have a UK driving licence, and proven customer service experience.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 17 £ per hour.
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Gillingham depot, where customer service comes first, and people are at the heart of everything we do. This is much more than a driving role. As a Bus Driver, you’ll be a front‑line ambassador for Arriva, supporting customers throughout their journeys and helping them feel safe, welcome, and valued. From assisting elderly passengers, reassuring nervous travellers, helping parents and children, to supporting customers with accessibility needs — your people skills will be just as important as your driving.
If you have previous customer service experience (for example in retail, hospitality, care, or any customer‑facing role) and enjoy helping others, this could be the perfect career change.
Why customer service matters in this roleEvery Day, You’ll:
- Greet customers warmly and professionally
- Answer questions and provide journey information
- Support passengers with additional needs
- Handle situations calmly and empathetically
- Create a positive experience, even when things don’t go to plan
During Training (first 4–6 weeks): £12.52 per hour
After Training:
Up to 7 months’ service: £12.52 per hour | Overtime £13.10 per hour
7+ months’ service: £16.85 per hour | Overtime £17.87 per hour
After 8pm on weekdays: +£1 per hour
- Fully paid training to gain your PCV licence — no previous bus driving experience needed
- Arriva Training School with expert instructors
- Ongoing mentoring and support once you’re out on the road
- Overtime opportunities, including bank holidays, paid at premium rates
- Ongoing CPC training
- Career development opportunities into management, training, or specialist driving roles
- Working for an inclusive, community‑focused company where looking after customers is a shared responsibility
Rotating shift pattern: 5 days out of 7
Shifts published 6–8 weeks in advance
Morning shifts from 04:00
Afternoon shifts from 12:00
Evening shifts from 18:00
Fixed shifts are not available
Overtime available
- Aged 18 or over
- UK driving licence held for at least 6 months
- No more than 6 penalty points
- Ability to pass a drug and alcohol test
- Ability to pass an English comprehension test
- Proven customer service experience is required
- A friendly, patient, and approachable manner
- Confidence communicating with a wide range of customers
- The ability to stay calm, polite, and professional in challenging situations
- Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends
- Access to the Arriva Village — discounts and offers
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free bus travel for you and your household
- Arriva Workplace Pension
- Fantastic career progression opportunities
- Long service awards
- 20 days holiday plus bank holidays
At Arriva, we value diversity, inclusion, and the unique experiences our people bring. By putting customers first, we create better journeys, stronger communities, and a workplace where everyone belongs.
Trainee Bus Driver in Gillingham employer: Arriva Group
Arriva is an exceptional employer for aspiring Trainee Bus Drivers at our Gillingham depot, where we prioritise customer service and community engagement. With fully paid training to obtain your PCV licence, ongoing mentoring, and a commitment to career development, you will find ample opportunities to grow within a supportive and inclusive work culture. Enjoy benefits such as free bus travel for you and your household, discounts through the Arriva Village, and a workplace that values diversity and the unique contributions of every employee.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in Gillingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Arriva. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since this role is all about customer service, think of examples from your past experiences where you've helped others. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to demonstrate your ability to handle various situations with empathy and professionalism.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look smart and professional for your interview. It shows that you respect the opportunity and are serious about the role. Plus, it’ll boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Arriva careers page. This way, you can ensure your application gets to the right people and you’ll be one step closer to starting your bus driving journey with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:Make sure to highlight any previous customer service experience you have. Whether it’s from retail, hospitality, or any other customer-facing role, we want to see how you’ve made a positive impact on customers in the past.
Be Yourself:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for friendly, patient, and approachable individuals, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and tailor your application accordingly. Mention specific skills or experiences that align with what we’re looking for, especially around communication and handling challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Know Your Customer Service Skills
Make sure to highlight your previous customer service experience during the interview. Think of specific examples where you’ve helped customers, especially in challenging situations. This will show that you understand the importance of being a friendly and approachable ambassador for Arriva.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
Prepare to discuss how you would interact with different types of passengers, including those with additional needs. Practice scenarios where you might need to reassure nervous travellers or assist elderly passengers. This will help you convey your empathy and patience, which are crucial for this role.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Arriva values flexibility in working hours, so be ready to discuss your availability. Mention your willingness to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends. This shows that you’re committed to the role and can adapt to the rotating shift patterns.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Think of examples from your past where you had to remain calm and professional in stressful situations. Whether it was dealing with an upset customer or managing a busy environment, sharing these experiences will demonstrate your ability to handle challenges effectively, which is key for a bus driver.
