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- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with the community, and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Arriva Group, a leading transport provider dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy full training, 28-33 days leave, gym access, and free bus travel for your family.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community and make someone's day brighter as a Bus Driver.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have 6 months driving experience, and great people skills.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, career progression opportunities, and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
Trainee Bus Driver
Pay Rate: £ £16.45 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 Rate: £ £16.45 per hour
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Weekdays – £13.70 first 12 months, £14.00 between 12-24 months service and then £16.00 per hour
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Weekends – £14.15 first 12 months, £14.45 between 12-24 months service and then £16.45 per hour
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Bank Holiday – £30 bonus paid per shift.
What\’s in it for you?
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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 last approx. 4 weeks and will take place at our Ashington depot, before you then work with a mentor for a further few weeks.
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Ongoing CPC training.
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28 days annual leave rising to 33 days.
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Onsite gym.
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Development and great career opportunities – whether that\’s into management, support training, or as an expert driver.
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Working for an inclusive and diverse company that put\’s our customers at the heart of what we do, and what a responsibility for you to be transporting our precious cargo ensuring they get to their destinations.
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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 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 4AM in the morning but will always work no later than 1AM depending on the time that you start.
Benefits:
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Fantastic career progression and training opportunities
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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
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Access to the \’Arriva Village\’, where you can take advantage of store discounts and offers
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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
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An onsite gym at our Ashington depot.
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Arriva Workplace Pension
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Enhanced rates of pay
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Long service awards
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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 employer: Arriva Group
Contact Detail:
Arriva Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and bus routes. Understanding the community you’ll be serving can help you connect better with passengers and show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills. As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with various people daily, so being friendly and approachable will make a great impression during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the early shifts. Since the role requires flexibility with start times as early as 4 AM, demonstrating your willingness to adapt to these hours can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for the role and the company. Research Arriva Group’s values and community involvement, and express how you align with their mission during your interactions with them.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what being a Trainee Bus Driver entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the importance of customer service in this role.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your people skills, flexibility, and any previous driving experience to make your application stand out.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to work for Arriva Group and how you can contribute to their community-focused mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Know the Company
Before your interview, take some time to research Arriva Group. Understand their values, mission, and the services they provide. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with various passengers daily. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully dealt with customers or worked in a team. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to handle different situations will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Shift Patterns
Understand that the role involves a rotating shift pattern, including early mornings and late evenings. Be ready to discuss your flexibility regarding shifts and how you plan to manage your time effectively around them.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Since the role requires driving, be prepared for practical assessments during the interview process. Brush up on your driving skills and ensure your driving record is clean. Being confident in your driving abilities will help you feel more at ease during this part of the interview.
