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 service.
- Benefits: Paid training, competitive pay, overtime opportunities, and free bus travel for you and your family.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with a supportive team and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a difference in people's lives and enjoy fantastic career progression.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence, and have great people skills.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 19 £ per hour.
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Northfleet 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 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 6 months service: £13.67 per hour;
- 9+ months service – £16.85 per hour
- Weekends: £14.67 rising to £17.85 after 9+ months service
- Overtime – £13.67 per hour rising to £17.86 per hour after 9+ months service
- Weekend & BH Overtime: £14.67 per hour rising to £19.35 per hour after 9+ months service
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 approximately 4 weeks and will take place at our Northfleet depot, 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 – whether that’s into 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 a responsibility for you to be transporting our precious cargo ensuring they get to their destinations.
Hours of Work and Role
A rotating shift pattern of 5 days in 7, published up to 6-8 weeks in advance so you can plan around shifts. Mornings starting from 04:00, afternoons starting 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 in the morning but will always finish 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 programme.
- 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 - Paid Training, Overtime & Growth in Northfleet employer: Arriva Group
Arriva is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering full paid training to become a qualified Bus Driver at our Northfleet depot. With a strong focus on community connection, competitive pay rates, and a supportive work culture, we provide ample opportunities for career advancement and personal development, all while ensuring a diverse and inclusive environment where every team member is valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver - Paid Training, Overtime & Growth in Northfleet
✨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 community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with all sorts of customers. Try role-playing common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and ensure you can handle any situation with a smile.
✨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 can make you a more attractive candidate. It demonstrates your commitment to the role and willingness to adapt.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It makes it easier for us to track and gives you a better chance of standing out. Plus, you’ll get all the latest updates about your application status!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver - Paid Training, Overtime & Growth in Northfleet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique and how you connect with people.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Show us how your background aligns with what we’re looking for in a Trainee Bus Driver – it’ll make your application stand out!
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate a well-structured application. Use clear language and keep your sentences short and to the point. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly and easily.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get you on the road to becoming a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the local area and bus routes before the interview. Being able to discuss specific routes and how you would handle different situations on them shows your commitment and understanding of 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 your ability to connect with people and make their day better.
✨Flexibility is Key
Be ready to discuss your availability and flexibility regarding shift patterns. Highlighting your willingness to work early mornings or late nights can set you apart from other candidates who may not be as adaptable.
✨Prepare for the Tests
Since there are drug and alcohol tests, as well as an English comprehension test, make sure you're prepared. Brush up on your English skills and ensure you're in good health to pass these assessments without any issues.
