At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with your community, and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leading transport company dedicated to community and inclusion.
- Benefits: Earn competitive pay, enjoy free travel, and access discounts for you and your family.
- Other info: Flexible shifts planned in advance, with a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Start your driving career with paid training and opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18 with a valid UK driving licence and great communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 26 £ per hour.
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Bootle depot – 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. 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.
Pay Rates:
- Trainee Driver – £14.52 per hour (3 weeks)
- After Training (Trainees):
- Monday to Friday - £14.52 per hour (rising to £17.63 after 12 months)
- Saturday & Sunday - £18.15 per hour (rising to £22.04 per hour after 12 months)
- Bank Holiday - £21.88 (rising to £26.45 per hour after 12 months)
- Overtime: Flat rate
What’s in it for you?
- 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 shift patterns, planned up to 6-8 weeks in advance.
- Mornings starting from 04:00, Afternoons start from 12:00 and Evenings from 18:00 on a rotational basis.
- Overtime available at request/availability.
Requirements:
- Be over 18 years old with at least 12 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.
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 Bootle depot!
Trainee Bus Driver employer: Arriva Merseyside Limited
Arriva is an exceptional employer that prioritises community connection and employee development at our Bootle depot. With full paid training, flexible shift patterns, and opportunities for career progression, we foster a supportive work culture where every team member can thrive. Enjoy unique benefits like free bus travel for you and your family, alongside monthly rewards for top performers, making Arriva a rewarding place to build your career as a Bus Driver.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver
✨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 interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've provided excellent service or resolved issues. This will help you shine during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look smart and professional for your interview. It shows that you respect the opportunity and are serious about joining the Arriva team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Arriva site. This way, you can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you’ll be one step closer to starting your bus driving career!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for People:When writing your application, let us know why you love working with people. Share any experiences that highlight your customer service skills, as we value friendly faces who can connect with our community.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills without waffling on. Remember, less is often more!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Trainee Bus Driver role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Merseyside Limited
✨Know Your Route
Before the interview, research Arriva and understand their values, especially around customer service and community connection. Familiarise yourself with the role of a bus driver and think about how you can contribute to making passengers feel valued.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with a variety of people daily. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated excellent customer service or communication skills. This will show that you’re not just a driver, but a friendly face in the community.
✨Dress for Success
Even though it’s a driving position, first impressions matter! Dress smartly for your interview to convey professionalism. It shows that you take the opportunity seriously and respect the company’s image.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training process, shift patterns, or opportunities for career progression. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
