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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with passengers, and ensure safe journeys.
- Company: Join Arriva, a community-focused transport company making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid training, flexible shifts, free travel, and discounts.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community and enjoy a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have driving experience, and great customer service skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and ongoing professional development.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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!
Locations
Bus Driver (Ashington) employer: Arriva Northumbria Limited
Contact Detail:
Arriva Northumbria Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bus Driver (Ashington)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and bus routes in Ashington. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and understanding of the community you'll be serving.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. Since being a friendly face is crucial for this job, think of examples from your past experiences where you've provided excellent service or resolved conflicts effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former bus drivers if possible. They can provide insights into the role and the company culture at Arriva, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions in the interview. Think about how you would handle various situations on the road or with passengers, as this will showcase your problem-solving abilities and readiness for the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Bus Driver (Ashington)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Bus Driver at Arriva. Familiarise 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. Mention any specific skills that relate to driving or working with the public, as these will be valuable for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for customer service and community engagement. Explain why you want to work for Arriva and how your values align with theirs. Personal anecdotes can make your application stand out.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a driving role.
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 or situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Driving Experience
Highlight your driving experience, especially if you have held a driving licence for over six months. Be prepared to discuss any relevant driving roles you've had and how they have prepared you for this position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and communication skills. Think about how you would handle difficult situations with passengers or unexpected challenges on the road, and be ready to share your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask questions about the company culture, training programmes, and career progression. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
