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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with passengers, and support your community daily.
- Company: Join Arriva, a company dedicated to community service and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid training, flexible shifts, free bus travel, and discounts at local stores.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community while enjoying career growth and a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have driving experience, and excellent customer service skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for both experienced drivers and trainees available.
Bus Driver
£12.92 – £15.46 per hour
Start Your Bus Driving Career with Arriva at our Ashington depot- PCV and 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. Whether you\’re an experienced PCV Driver or looking to start a new career as a Trainee Bus Driver, we have a role for you.
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. Did you know Bus Drivers are among the most thanked professionals in the UK?
We\’re proud of our customer service and the support we provide to the community. If you\’re a like-minded individual with a passion for people, we\’d love to have you on our team!
Pay Rates:
Trainee Drivers
• Monday to Friday: £12.92 per hour rising to £13.24 after 12 months and then rising again to £15.01 after 24 months.
• Weekends: £13.37 per hour rising to £13.69 after 12 months and then rising again to £15.46 after 24 months.
• Bank Holidays: £30 in additional bonus paid per shift.
Fully Qualified PCV Drivers
• Monday to Friday: £13.24 per hour, rising to £15.01 per hour after 6 months service.
• Weekends: £13.69 per hour, rising to £15.46 per hour after 6 months service.
What\’s in It for You?
• Trainee Drivers: 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 shifts planned, with 1 in 3 weekends off, including 1 in 6 as a long weekend (Thursday to Sunday).
• Morning shifts starting at 04:00, and evenings ending by 01:30.
• Overtime available on request.
Requirements:
• Be over 18 years old with at least 6 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.
• Hold a full PCV licence (if qualified PCV driver).
• No more than 6 penalty points.
• Demonstrate excellent 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 Ashington depot!
Bus Driver employer: Arriva Northumbria Limited
Contact Detail:
Arriva Northumbria Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the local area and bus routes. Knowing the streets and key landmarks will not only help you during the interview but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills. Since being a friendly face is crucial, think of examples where you've provided excellent service or resolved issues effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your driving experience in detail. Highlight any relevant experience you have, even if it's not directly related to bus driving, to demonstrate your capability behind the wheel.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for community engagement. Arriva values connection with the community, so express your passion for helping others and being part of a team that makes a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Bus Driver at Arriva. Familiarize yourself with the job description and requirements to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have previous driving experience or customer service roles, be sure to highlight these in your CV and cover letter. Mention specific examples that demonstrate your skills in communication and customer interaction.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter that reflects your passion for community service and your desire to connect with passengers. Explain why you want to work for Arriva and how you can contribute to their mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a role in customer service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Northumbria Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Customer Service
As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for providing excellent customer service during the interview. Share examples of how you've positively impacted customers in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Driving Experience
Since the role requires at least 6 months of driving experience, be prepared to discuss your driving history. Mention any relevant licenses you hold and emphasize your safe driving record to reassure the interviewer of your capabilities.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. During the interview, showcase your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. You might even want to role-play a scenario where you assist a passenger to demonstrate your skills.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle various situations on the job, such as dealing with difficult passengers or unexpected delays. Prepare thoughtful responses that reflect your problem-solving abilities and commitment to customer satisfaction.
