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- 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 full training, career progression, free bus travel for family, and store discounts.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community and make someone's day brighter as a Bus Driver.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have 6 months driving experience, and great people skills.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with overtime options and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Blyth depot, where you will be at the heart of your community! Whether it is getting commuters to work, helping customers with popping to the shops or getting children to school - we provide an important service in connecting our customers to what matters to them.
As a Bus Driver, you will get to know the familiar faces on your routes, build relationships and even be the highlight of someone’s day. Did you know that Bus Drivers are one of the most thanked jobs in the UK? We are proud of our customer service and how we support our community - and we would love to have like-minded individuals as part of our team.
Pay Rate:
- Weekdays - £12.92 first 12 months, £13.24 between 12-24 months service and then £15.01 per hour
- Weekends - £13.37 first 12 months, £13.69 between 12-24 months service and then £15.46 per hour
- Bank Holiday - £30 bonus paid per shift
What’s in it for you?
- Full paid training where you will receive your PCV licence - you will go through our Arriva Training School and learn everything you need to know about being a Bus Driver. The training generally lasts approx. 4 weeks and will take place at our Ashington depot, before you then work with a mentor for a further few weeks.
- Ongoing CPC training.
- Development and great career opportunities - whether that’s into management, support training, or as an expert driver.
- Working for an inclusive and diverse company that puts our customers at the heart of what we do, and what a responsibility for you to be transporting our precious cargo ensuring they get to their destinations.
- Access to the Mydrive app where you can win a £50 voucher monthly for the top 2 Bus Drivers in the area.
Hours of work and role:
- A rotating shift pattern of 5 days in 7, published up to 6-8 weeks in advance so you can plan around shifts.
- Mornings starting from 04:00, Afternoons start from 12:00 and Evenings from 18:00 on a rotational basis.
- We cannot offer fixed early, afternoon or evenings separately.
- Overtime available at request/availability.
Requirements:
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Have been driving for a minimum of 6 months.
- No more than 6 points on your licence.
- Will need to undergo a drug and alcohol test before your assessment.
- Will need to pass an English comprehension test.
- Great people skills.
- Flexibility as your shifts will start as early as 4AM in the morning but will always work no later than 1AM depending on the time that you start.
Benefits:
- Fantastic career progression and training opportunities.
- Access to the 'Arriva Village', where you can take advantage of store discounts and offers.
- Free bus travel for you and your family (within the same household) if you do not need to use it then you can nominate someone else.
- Arriva Workplace Pension.
- Enhanced rates of pay.
- Long service awards.
- Access to the Mydrive app and road safety scheme where you can get rewarded a £50 voucher monthly for being the top Arriva driver.
At Arriva we strive for inclusion and diversity, we are a community that brings everyone together, not just our passengers.
Trainee Bus Driver employer: Arriva Northumbria Limited
Contact Detail:
Arriva Northumbria Limited Recruiting 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 your training but also impress your interviewers, showing your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily, so practice being friendly and approachable. This will help you stand out as a candidate who embodies the values of Arriva.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the flexibility required in this role. Highlight your ability to adapt to different shift patterns during any discussions or interviews, as this is crucial for meeting the demands of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your driving experience confidently. Even if it's just personal driving, emphasise your safe driving record and any relevant experiences that demonstrate your reliability behind the wheel.
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 the importance of customer service in this role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your soft skills such as great people skills and flexibility. These are crucial for a Bus Driver, so provide examples of how you've demonstrated these in previous roles or experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is tailored to the position. Include any relevant driving experience, your driving licence details, and mention your willingness to undergo training and assessments as required by Arriva.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to be a Bus Driver and how you can contribute to the community through this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Northumbria Limited
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with various passengers daily. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and build relationships during the interview. Share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The role requires early starts and late finishes, so it's essential to show that you're adaptable. Discuss your availability and willingness to work different shifts, emphasising your commitment to meeting the needs of the service.
✨Prepare for the English Comprehension Test
Since passing an English comprehension test is a requirement, brush up on your reading and comprehension skills before the interview. You might even want to practice with sample questions to feel more confident.
✨Express Your Passion for Community Service
Arriva values individuals who are dedicated to serving their community. Share your enthusiasm for helping others and how you see yourself contributing positively to the lives of passengers in your area.
