At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive a bus, connect with passengers, and make a positive impact daily.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leading transport company dedicated to community service and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, overtime opportunities, free family travel, and monthly rewards.
- Other info: Flexible shifts planned in advance; trainee roles available for those without a PCV licence.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of your community while enjoying career growth and a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Must have a valid PCV licence; excellent customer service skills required.
Position Overview
PCV Bus Driver. Progress your bus driving career with Arriva at our Thurmaston 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. We are proud of our customer service and how we support our community.
Pay Rates
£14.90 - £18.55 per hour.
During Mentoring: Weekdays: £14.90 per hour (£15.35 after 6pm); Saturday: £15.80 per hour; Sunday £16.70 per hour; Bank Holiday: £16.70 per hour. After Mentoring: Weekdays - £16.55 per hour (£17.05 after 6pm); Saturday - £17.55 per hour; Sunday - £18.55 per hour; Bank Holiday - £37.24 per hour. Pay rates reviewed via frequent pay negotiations.
Responsibilities
- Transport commuters to work, customers to shops, and children to school.
- Build relationships with regular passengers and maintain a friendly, courteous attitude.
- Ensure the safety and timely arrival of the vehicle and its passengers.
Schedule
5 out of 7 rotating shift patterns, planned up to 6-8 weeks in advance.
Mornings can start from 04:00 with the evening finishing by 01:30.
The rota currently has about 1 in 3 weekends off, with approximately 1 in 6 long weekends (Thursday through Sunday). This may change if the needs of the business require it. Overtime is available at request and based on availability.
Requirements
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Hold your PCV licence (if you do not, please apply to the Trainee role for paid training).
- No more than 6 points on your licence.
- Can pass a drug and alcohol test.
- Great people and customer service skills.
- Flexibility to work shifts.
Benefits
- Fantastic career progression and training opportunities.
- Free to use staff bus operates a route around Leicester in the mornings and evenings to get drivers to and from work at those early start times and late finishes.
- Shuttle service from the depot to town to get you to your starting point.
- Access to the ‘Arriva Village’, where you can take advantage of store discounts and offers.
- Free bus travel for you and your family (within the same household). If you do not need to use it, you can nominate someone else.
- Arriva Workplace Pension.
- Enhanced rates of pay.
- Long service awards.
- Access to the Mydrive app and road safety scheme where you can get rewarded a £50 voucher monthly for being the top Arriva driver.
- Overtime opportunities – extra shifts, bank holidays, all paid at a premium rate.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PCV Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and routes in Derby. Knowing the streets, landmarks, and popular destinations will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to providing excellent service to passengers.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with a diverse range of passengers. Practising how to handle various situations, such as dealing with difficult customers or providing assistance, 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 it takes to succeed as a PCV Bus Driver, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shift patterns. Since the role requires working various shifts, showing that you're adaptable and willing to take on different hours can make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace PCV Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a PCV Bus Driver at Arriva. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with their requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous driving experience, customer service roles, or relevant qualifications. Make sure to mention your valid PCV licence prominently, as it is a non-negotiable requirement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a tailored cover letter that showcases your passion for driving and community service. Explain why you want to work for Arriva specifically and how you can contribute to their mission of connecting the community.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Midlands Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Driving
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for being a PCV Bus Driver. Talk about what driving means to you and how you enjoy connecting with the community through your role.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves interacting with passengers, be prepared to share examples of your excellent customer service skills. Discuss any previous experiences where you went above and beyond to help someone.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Arriva values flexibility in shift patterns. Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including early mornings and late evenings.
✨Prepare for Safety Questions
Safety is paramount in this role. Familiarise yourself with safety protocols and be prepared to answer questions about how you would handle different situations on the road.
