At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with the community, and ensure safe journeys for passengers.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leading transport company dedicated to community service and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free bus travel for your family, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a supportive and diverse work culture.
- Qualifications: Must have a valid PCV licence; excellent customer service skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with overtime options and a chance to progress your career.
Start Your Career with Arriva as a PCV Bus Driver – Join a Community That Drives the Future!
Location: Ashington Depot
Pay Rate: £13.25 - £15.85 per hour
Are you a qualified PCV Bus Driver looking for a rewarding career that connects you to your community? Join Arriva at our Ashington depot, where you’ll be an integral part of keeping our community moving. Whether it’s getting commuters to work, helping customers with errands, or ensuring children get to school safely, every journey makes a difference.
As a Bus Driver, you’ll build relationships with familiar faces on your routes and even be the highlight of someone’s day. We take pride in the service we provide and the impact we have on the community, and we’re looking for like-minded individuals to join our team.
What We Offer:
- Competitive Pay:
- Weekdays: £13.55 per hour, rising to £15.40 per hour after six months service
- Weekends: £14.00 per hour, rising to £15.85 per hour after six months service
- Bank Holidays: £30 bonus payment
- Pay rates are reviewed regularly through frequent pay negotiations
- Qualified drivers with at least 2 years bus driving experience in the last 5 years will start on £13.55 p/h basic, otherwise the starting rate will be £13.25 p/h
- 28 days annual leave rising to 33 days
- Overtime opportunities
- Free bus travel for you and your family (within the same household)
- Arriva Workplace Pension
- Onsite gym
- Ongoing CPC training and career development opportunities
- Access to the MyDrive app with monthly rewards (£50 vouchers) for top drivers
- A diverse and inclusive company culture that puts customers first
Hours of Work:
5 out of 7 rotating shift patterns, planned up to 6-8 weeks in advance. Mornings starting from 05:00 and evenings finishing around 01:30. Overtime available based on request/availability.
What We Need From You:
- MUST have a valid PCV Licence – This is a non-negotiable requirement.
- No more than 6 points on your licence
- Ability to pass a drug and alcohol test
- Excellent customer service and people skills
- Flexibility to work various shifts
Why Choose Arriva?
At Arriva, we believe in offering fantastic career progression, development opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference to the community. Whether you want to move into management, support training, or become an expert driver, there’s a place for you here.
We’re more than just a transport company – we’re a diverse and inclusive community, united in providing an essential service to our passengers. Join us and enjoy the rewards of making a positive impact on the lives of those around you.
Contact Detail:
Arriva Northumbria Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PCV 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 the interview but also show your commitment to the role and your potential as a community driver.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily, so demonstrating your ability to handle various situations with a friendly attitude can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for questions about safety and compliance. Understanding the importance of following regulations and ensuring passenger safety is crucial in this role, and being able to articulate your knowledge will impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for community engagement. Highlight any previous experience where you've positively impacted your community, as Arriva values drivers who are passionate about making a difference in people's lives.
We think you need these skills to ace PCV Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Qualifications: Make sure to clearly state your valid PCV licence in your application. This is a non-negotiable requirement, so it should be one of the first things the employer sees.
Showcase Customer Service Skills: Since excellent customer service and people skills are essential for this role, include specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these abilities.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the job description. Emphasise any relevant driving experience, flexibility with shift patterns, and your commitment to community service.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to work for Arriva and how you can contribute to their mission of keeping the community moving.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Northumbria Limited
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the local area and the routes you might be driving. Being able to discuss specific routes and how you would handle different situations can impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a bus driver, you'll interact with various passengers daily. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Highlight your willingness to work various shifts and adapt to changing schedules. This shows that you're committed to meeting the needs of the company and its passengers.
✨Prepare for Safety Questions
Be ready to discuss safety protocols and how you would handle emergencies on the road. Showing that you prioritise safety will reassure the interviewers of your capability as a driver.