At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with passengers, and ensure safe travel.
- Company: Join Arriva, a community-focused transport company making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid training, flexible shifts, free travel for family, and discounts.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community and enjoy a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a valid UK driving licence, and have great customer service skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and ongoing professional development.
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Ware depot – PCV and Trainee opportunities available! At Arriva, you’ll be at the heart of your community, helping commuters get to work, children to school, and neighbours to the shops. Whether you’re an experienced PCV Driver or looking to start a new career as a Trainee Bus Driver, we have a role for you.
As a Bus Driver, you’ll build relationships with regular passengers, be a friendly face, and play a vital role in connecting our customers to what matters most. Did you know Bus Drivers are among the most thanked professionals in the UK? We’re proud of our customer service and the support we provide to the community. If you’re a like-minded individual with a passion for people, we’d love to have you on our team!
Pay Rate:
- Trainee Driver – During Training (first 4-6 weeks): £12.21 per hour
- After Training (Trainees):
- 1 – 7 months service - £12.50 per hour; Overtime - £13.75 per hour
- 7+ months service - £17.00 p/h; Overtime - £18.70 per hour
- Saturday and Sunday: £18.00 per hour
What’s in it for you?
- Trainee Drivers: Full paid training, including obtaining your PCV licence through our Arriva Training School.
- Ongoing CPC training for all drivers and professional development opportunities.
- Career progression into management, support training, or becoming an expert driver.
- Flexible and rotating shifts planned 6-8 weeks in advance.
- Free bus travel for you and your family (or a nominee).
- Access to the Arriva Village for store discounts and offers.
- Free staff bus and shuttle services to and from work.
- Monthly rewards through the Mydrive app for top-performing drivers.
Shift Patterns:
- 5 out of 7 rotating shifts planned, with 1 in 3 weekends off, including 1 in 6 as a long weekend (Thursday to Sunday)
- Morning shifts starting at 04:00, and evenings ending by 01:30.
- Overtime available on request.
Requirements:
- Be over 18 years old with at least 6 months of driving experience.
- Hold a valid UK driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points.
- Pass a drug and alcohol test.
- Great customer service and communication skills.
- Hold a full PCV licence (if qualified PCV driver).
- CPC holder (if qualified PCV driver).
- No more than 6 penalty points.
- Demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills.
Why Join Arriva?
At Arriva, we’re not just connecting passengers; we’re creating a community that values inclusion and diversity. Whether you’re an experienced driver or starting your journey as a trainee, you’ll enjoy paid training, enhanced pay rates, and a supportive team environment where you can thrive. Take the wheel of your future—apply today and become part of the Arriva family at our Ware depot!
Bus Driver (Ware) employer: Arriva Kent Thameside Limited
Contact Detail:
Arriva Kent Thameside Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bus Driver (Ware)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and bus routes in Ware. Knowing the streets and key landmarks will not only help you during the interview but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. Since you'll be interacting with passengers daily, demonstrating your ability to handle various situations with a friendly attitude can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Arriva employees if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and what qualities they value in a Bus Driver, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle difficult passengers or unexpected situations on the road, as these are common topics of discussion.
We think you need these skills to ace Bus Driver (Ware)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Bus Driver at Arriva. Familiarise yourself with the job description and requirements to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have previous driving experience or customer service roles, be sure to highlight these in your CV. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in communication and customer interaction.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for people and community service. Mention why you want to work for Arriva specifically and how you can contribute to their mission of excellent customer service.
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, which are crucial for a role in customer service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Kent Thameside Limited
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the local area and key bus routes. Being able to discuss your knowledge of the community will show your commitment to the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Bus Driver, excellent customer service is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've provided great service in previous roles or situations, highlighting your communication skills and ability to handle difficult situations.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Safety is paramount in driving. Be ready to discuss your understanding of road safety regulations and how you would ensure the safety of passengers while driving. This will reflect your responsibility and professionalism.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, training opportunities, and shift patterns. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.