At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses and connect your community while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Arriva, a diverse company dedicated to serving the community.
- Benefits: Earn £13.70 - £16.45 per hour, with free bus travel for you and your family.
- Other info: Enjoy onsite gym access and a supportive training environment.
- Why this job: Become a vital part of your community and enjoy fantastic career progression.
- Qualifications: Must be 21+, have driving experience, and great people skills.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 € per hour.
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Ashington 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 Structure:
- Weekdays: £13.70 first 12 months, £14.00 between 12-24 months service and then £16.00 per hour.
- Weekends: £14.15 first 12 months, £14.45 between 12-24 months service and then £16.45 per hour.
- Bank Holiday: £30 bonus paid per shift.
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 approx. 4 weeks and will take place at our Ashington depot, before you then work with a mentor for a further few weeks.
- Ongoing CPC training.
- 28 days annual leave rising to 33 days.
- Onsite gym.
- 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.
- Access to the Mydrive app where you can win a £50 voucher monthly for the top 2 Bus Drivers in the area.
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 start from 12:00 and Evenings from 18:00 on a rotational basis. We cannot offer fixed early, afternoon or evenings separately. Overtime available at request/availability.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years of age for Ashington depot.
- 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 work no later than 1 AM depending on the time that you start.
Benefits:
- Fantastic career progression and training opportunities.
- Free to use staff bus operates a route around the Ashington area in the mornings and evenings to get drivers to and from work at those early start times and late finishes.
- Access to the 'Arriva Village', where you can take advantage of store discounts and offers.
- Free bus travel for you and your family (within the same household) if you do not need to use it then you can nominate someone else.
- Onsite gym at our Ashington depot.
- Arriva Workplace Pension.
- Enhanced rates of pay.
- Long service awards.
- Access to the Mydrive app and road safety scheme where you can get rewarded a £50 voucher monthly for being the top Arriva driver.
At Arriva we strive for inclusion and diversity, we are a community that brings everyone together, not just our passengers.
Trainee Bus Driver in Northumberland employer: Arriva Group
Arriva is an exceptional employer for aspiring Bus Drivers at our Ashington depot, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises community connection. With comprehensive training, career progression opportunities, and benefits like free bus travel for you and your family, as well as access to an onsite gym, we ensure our employees feel valued and empowered in their roles. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding career in public transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in Northumberland
✨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 common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and 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 can make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and benefits right there, making it easier for you to prepare.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Northumberland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Driving:When you're writing your application, let us know why you want to be a Bus Driver. Share your love for driving and how you enjoy connecting with people in your community. We want to see that spark!
Highlight Your People Skills:As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with customers daily. Make sure to mention any experience you have in customer service or working with the public. We value great people skills, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
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, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
Understand that the job requires early starts and late finishes. Be prepared to discuss your availability and how you can manage the rotating shift pattern effectively.
✨Prepare for the Tests
Brush up on your English comprehension skills and be ready for the drug and alcohol test. Showing that you're proactive about these requirements will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your seriousness about the position.
