At a Glance
- Tasks: Transport passengers safely and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Arriva, a respected bus service provider in the UK.
- Benefits: Full paid training, overtime pay, free bus travel, and career progression.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for ongoing training and development.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community and make someone's day brighter.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18 with a valid UK driving licence and good people skills.
The predicted salary is between 26400 - 35800 £ per year.
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Southend depot, where you will be at the heart of your community! Whether it is getting commuters to work, helping customers shop, 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 build relationships, be the highlight of someone’s day, and contribute to one of the most respected jobs in the UK.
Pay Rate
- During training (first 4–6 weeks): £12.71 per hour.
- After training (0–9 months): £12.71 per hour.
- After 9 months: Weekday £16.85 per hour; Weekend & OT £17.26 per hour.
Hours of Work and Role
- A rotating shift pattern of 5 days in 7, published up to 6–8 weeks in advance.
- Mornings start from 04:00, Afternoons from 12:00 and Evenings from 18:00 on a rotational basis.
- Overtime is available. Flexibility is required as shifts will start as early as 4AM and finish no later than 1AM.
Responsibilities
- Transport passengers safely to their destinations.
- Ensure punctuality and adherence to route schedules.
- Provide excellent customer service, building positive relationships with familiar faces on routes.
- Maintain the cleanliness and safety of the bus, reporting any issues.
Requirements
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Hold a UK driving licence and have driven for a minimum of 6 months.
- Have no more than 6 points on your licence.
- Undergo a drug and alcohol test before assessment.
- Pass an English comprehension test.
- Have excellent people skills.
- Be flexible to work early mornings and late evenings as required.
Benefits
- Full paid training including PCV licence acquisition.
- Overtime opportunities with premium pay.
- Ongoing CPC training and development opportunities.
- Career progression into management, support training, or expert driver roles.
- Access to Arriva Village discounts and offers.
- Employee assistance program.
- Free bus travel for you and your household.
- Arriva Workplace Pension.
- 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 Southend-on-Sea employer: Arriva Kent Thameside Limited
Arriva is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment at our Southend depot where you can make a real difference in your community. With full paid training, ongoing development opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our employees to grow into management or expert driver roles while enjoying benefits like free bus travel for you and your household. Join us to be part of a respected team that values your contributions and provides meaningful employment.
Contact Details:
Arriva Kent Thameside Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Arriva and understand their values and mission. This will help you connect with the interviewers 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 passengers daily. Role-play 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 and ready to adapt! With early mornings and late shifts, showing that you're open to different working hours can set you apart from other candidates. Highlight your flexibility during interviews!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining the Arriva family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Southend-on-Sea
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 enthusiasm for helping people and being part of the community. A little passion goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Highlight Your People Skills:As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Make sure to mention any experience you have in customer service or working with the public. We love to see how you can build relationships and brighten someone’s day!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when applicants get straight to the heart of their experiences and skills without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Kent Thameside Limited
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the local area and key routes you might be driving. This shows your commitment and helps you answer questions about punctuality and customer service effectively.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with various passengers daily. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past, highlighting your ability to build positive relationships.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
Understand that the role requires early mornings and late evenings. Be prepared to discuss your availability and demonstrate your willingness to adapt to the shift patterns mentioned in the job description.
✨Dress the Part
First impressions matter! Dress smartly and professionally for your interview. It reflects your seriousness about the role and aligns with the respect associated with being a bus driver.
