Trainee Controller

Trainee Controller

Trainee 42000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Arriva London South Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage bus services, guide drivers, and ensure safe, efficient operations.
  • Company: Join Arriva London, a leader in public transport with a supportive team culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free travel, exclusive discounts, and generous holiday leave.
  • Other info: Paid training, mentorship, and excellent career progression opportunities await you.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in public transport while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication, critical thinking, and calmness under pressure are key.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 42000 £ per year.

Location: Purley Way

Arriva London is looking for driven, adaptable, and dedicated individuals to join our Route Performance Team as Controllers. In this role, you’ll manage services within the Transport for London (TFL) network, guiding drivers and ensuring buses run safely, efficiently, and on time.

Responsibilities

  • Communicate with drivers via radio and face‑to‑face.
  • Use advanced GPS tracking and other technologies to oversee bus services.
  • Ensure compliance with TFL standards.

Training & Progression

  • Training: A paid 4‑week training course equips you with the skills and knowledge to succeed.
  • Mentorship: Following training, you’ll be paired with a mentor to support your transition into the role.

Rates

  • Trainee Controller Rate (0–6 months): £42,000
  • Controller Rate (6–18 months): £44,000
  • Controller Rate (18+ months): £49,337
  • Overtime Rate: £29.03/hour (Rates are subject to an annual salary review.)

Schedule

Five days out of seven, on a rolling rota, including weekends.

Qualifications

  • Strong communication skills: Clear and fluent English is essential.
  • Critical thinking: A logical approach to problem‑solving and the ability to assess situations quickly and accurately.
  • Calm under pressure: The ability to maintain composure and make sound decisions in high‑pressure scenarios.
  • Situational awareness: A sharp understanding of dynamic environments and the ability to adapt accordingly.
  • Team leadership: The ability to influence behaviours and build positive working relationships at all levels.

Benefits

  • Free travel: FL Oyster Bus Pass (plus a nominee pass after 3 months’ service).
  • Exclusive discounts: Access to Arriva Village, our employee benefits platform.
  • Health & wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured) offering support on family, financial, and childcare matters.
  • Generous leave: 33 days of holiday (including bank holidays), with increases based on service length.
  • Performance rewards: A company bonus structure.

Trainee Controller employer: Arriva London South Limited

Arriva London is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a comprehensive training programme, mentorship opportunities, and generous benefits including free travel and exclusive discounts, employees are well-equipped to thrive in their roles. Located in Purley Way, this position not only provides a competitive salary but also fosters a dynamic environment where teamwork and communication are key to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the Transport for London network.

Arriva London South Limited

Contact Details:

Arriva London South Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Trainee Controller

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Arriva London on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to communication and problem-solving. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence!

Tip Number 3

Show off your situational awareness during the interview. Share examples of how you've handled pressure in the past – it’ll demonstrate your calmness under fire!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed, and we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Controller

Communication Skills
Critical Thinking
Calm Under Pressure
Situational Awareness
Team Leadership
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for the Trainee Controller role, make sure to highlight your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in your application. Use examples from past experiences where you’ve successfully communicated under pressure.

Demonstrate Your Critical Thinking:We love candidates who can think on their feet! In your written application, share instances where you’ve had to assess situations quickly and make decisions. This will show us that you’re ready for the dynamic environment of bus services.

Stay Calm and Collected:Being calm under pressure is crucial for this role. In your application, mention any experiences where you’ve maintained composure in stressful situations. This will help us see how you handle challenges.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!

How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva London South Limited

Know Your Role Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you understand what a Trainee Controller does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities like managing bus services and communicating with drivers. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Show Off Your Communication Skills

Since strong communication is key for this position, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to demonstrate how you'd handle a situation with a driver or manage a service disruption. Think of examples from past experiences where you've successfully communicated under pressure.

Demonstrate Critical Thinking

Prepare to showcase your problem-solving skills. You could be presented with a scenario during the interview where you need to assess a situation quickly. Think through potential challenges and how you would address them, highlighting your logical approach and calmness under pressure.

Emphasise Team Leadership

Even as a trainee, showing that you can influence behaviours and build relationships is crucial. Share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams before, whether in previous jobs or group projects. This will illustrate your ability to lead and collaborate within the Route Performance Team.