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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 for you and family, 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 monthly rewards for top performers.
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.
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 (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 routes and key landmarks 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
Prepare to discuss your driving experience in detail. Highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed, as well as your ability to handle different driving conditions, which can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for the role and the company. Research Arriva's values and community initiatives, and be ready to express why you want to be part of their team, as this can make a positive impression during your interactions.
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. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in communication and customer interaction.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for people and community service. Mention why you want to work for Arriva specifically and how you can contribute to their mission of excellent customer service.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or 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 Customer Service Skills
As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Highlight your previous customer service experience and share examples of how you've positively impacted customers in the past.
✨Know the Route
Familiarise yourself with the local area and common bus routes. Being knowledgeable about the routes can demonstrate your commitment to the role and help you answer questions about navigating the community.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Safety is paramount in this role. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of road safety regulations and how you would handle various driving scenarios to ensure passenger safety.
✨Express Your Passion for Community
Arriva values community connection. Share why you want to work as a Bus Driver and how you see yourself contributing to the community, making it clear that you understand the importance of the role.
