At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses and connect your community while building relationships with passengers.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leading transport provider with a focus on community service.
- Benefits: Earn competitive pay, enjoy free bus travel, and access discounts for you and your family.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with excellent career progression and a diverse workplace culture.
- Why this job: Start your driving career with full training and opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18 with a UK driving licence and great people skills.
The predicted salary is between 26400 - 37000 £ per year.
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Maidstone 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.
Pay & Hours
- Pay Rate: £12.71 - £17.87 per hour
- During Training (first 4-6 weeks): £12.71 per hour
- After Training (up to 9 months): £12.71 per hour
- 9+ months of service: £16.85 per hour
- Overtime: £17.87 per hour
Training & Development
Full paid training where you'll receive your PCV licence – our Arriva Training School (approx. 4 weeks at Northfleet depot) followed by mentoring weeks. Ongoing CPC training and opportunities for career advancement into management, support roles or as an expert driver.
Work Schedule
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. Overtime is available.
Requirements
- Must be over 18 years old
- Have a UK driving licence and a minimum of 6 months driving experience
- No more than 6 points on your licence
- Will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol test before assessment
- Will need to pass an English comprehension test
- Great people skills
- Flexibility for shifts that can start as early as 4AM and end no later than 1AM
Benefits
- Access to the Arriva Village discounts and offers
- Employee assistance program
- Free bus travel for you and your family (within the same household)
- Arriva Workplace Pension
- Excellent 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 Maidstone employer: Arriva Kent & Surrey Limited
Arriva is an exceptional employer for aspiring bus drivers, offering a supportive work culture at our Maidstone depot where you can truly connect with your community. With comprehensive training, competitive pay, and excellent career progression opportunities, we prioritise your growth while providing benefits like free bus travel for you and your family. Join us to make a meaningful impact in people's lives every day!
Contact Details:
Arriva Kent & Surrey Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in Maidstone
✨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 interviewer and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with all sorts of customers. Try role-playing different scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence in handling various situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible with your availability! Since the shifts can start as early as 4AM, make sure you're ready to discuss your flexibility during the interview. Showing that you're adaptable can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen to join the Arriva family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for becoming a bus driver shine through! We want to see that you’re excited about connecting with the community and making a difference in people's daily lives.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight any relevant experience, especially if you've worked in customer service or have driving experience. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do at Arriva!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when applicants communicate effectively, as it reflects the skills needed for the job!
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 Kent & Surrey Limited
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the local area and key routes you might be driving. This shows your commitment to the role and helps you answer questions about customer service and community engagement.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a bus driver, you'll interact with various passengers daily. Prepare examples of how you've successfully dealt with customers or resolved conflicts in the past. This will highlight your ability to connect with the community.
✨Be Ready for Shift Flexibility
Understand that the job requires flexibility with early mornings and late nights. Be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to the rotating shift pattern during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Driving Experience
Make sure to mention your driving experience and any relevant qualifications. If you have a clean driving record, bring it up! This is crucial for the role and will give you an edge over other candidates.
