At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with the community, and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leading transport provider dedicated to connecting communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid training, flexible shifts, free bus travel for you and family, and career progression.
- Other info: Access to exclusive discounts and a chance to win monthly vouchers through the Mydrive app.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community, build relationships, and enjoy a rewarding work environment.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have 6 months driving experience, and great customer service skills.
Trainee Bus Driver (Telford depot) – start your bus driving career with Arriva. You will help commuters, children, and shoppers reach their destinations and become a friendly face on the routes.
At Arriva we strive for inclusion and diversity, ensuring a welcoming environment for our drivers and passengers.
Pay
£12.71 - £14.45 per hour. Pay scales as follows: during training £12.71, after training £13.36, and after 6 months £14.45. Pay is reviewed through frequent negotiations.
Hours of Work
5 out of 7 rotating shift patterns, planned 6–8 weeks in advance. Mornings start at 05:30 and evenings finish up to 00:10. Rota includes early, middle and late shifts with 1 in 4 weekends off and 1 in 6 weeks with a long weekend (Thursday–Sunday off). Overtime is available on request, based on availability.
Responsibilities
- Transport passengers safely to their destinations.
- Assist passengers such as commuters, shoppers and school children.
- Build relationships with passengers and maintain a friendly presence on the routes.
- Operate the bus according to the schedule and safety regulations.
- Accept and complete additional shifts, overtime and bank holiday work at a premium rate.
Requirements
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Have been driving for a minimum of 6 months.
- No more than 6 points on the licence.
- Pass a drug and alcohol test.
- Great people and customer service skills.
- Flexibility to work shifts.
Training & Development
- Full paid training to obtain a PCV licence through Arriva Training School (approx. 4 weeks). Mentorship support for additional weeks follows.
- Ongoing CPC training.
- Career opportunities into management, support training or expert driver roles.
Benefits
- Overtime opportunities – extra shifts and bank holidays paid at a premium rate.
- Access to the MyDrive app – potential £50 voucher monthly for top drivers.
- Free staff bus for commuting to/from the depot.
- Shuttle service from depot to town.
- Access to Arriva Village – store discounts and offers.
- Free bus travel for you and household members.
- Arriva Workplace Pension plan.
- Enhanced rates of pay.
- Long service awards.
- Road safety scheme rewards.
Trainee Bus Driver employer: Arriva Midlands North Limited
Arriva is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at our Shrewsbury depot, where you can make a real difference in your community as a Trainee Bus Driver. With full paid training to obtain your PCV licence, ongoing development opportunities, and flexible working hours, we prioritise your growth and well-being while ensuring you enjoy the rewarding experience of connecting customers to what matters most. Join us and benefit from competitive pay rates, overtime opportunities, and unique perks like free bus travel for you and your family.
Contact Details:
Arriva Midlands North Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and bus routes. Knowing the streets and landmarks will not only help you during training but also impress your trainers and future colleagues.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with various passengers daily, so showing that you can handle different situations with a smile will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for shift work. Understanding the flexibility required for different shifts will demonstrate your commitment to the role and make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for community engagement. Expressing your desire to connect with and serve the local community can resonate well with the hiring team at Arriva.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Trainee Bus Driver. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with what Arriva is looking for.
Tailor Your CV:Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience, especially any customer service roles or driving experience. Emphasise your people skills and flexibility, as these are crucial for the role.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention why you want to be a Bus Driver and how you can contribute to the community through this role. Be sure to include specific examples of your customer service skills.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important traits for a Bus Driver.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Midlands North Limited
✨Know the Company
Before your interview, take some time to research Arriva. Understand their values, mission, and the importance of community service they provide. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Bus Driver, excellent customer service is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully dealt with customers or resolved issues. Highlighting these skills will demonstrate that you're a great fit for the role.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about driving scenarios and how you would handle various situations on the road. Think about safety, punctuality, and customer interactions. Being prepared will show your understanding of the responsibilities involved.
✨Express Your Flexibility
The job requires flexibility in working hours. Be honest about your availability and willingness to work different shifts. Showing that you're adaptable will make you a more attractive candidate for the role.
