At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with the community, and ensure safe transport for passengers.
- Company: Join Arriva, a diverse company dedicated to excellent customer service.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full training, free bus travel for your family, and discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with great work-life balance and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Start your career, make a difference, and enjoy fantastic progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18, have driving experience, and pass a drug test.
The predicted salary is between 28500 - 33500 £ per year.
Welcome to Arriva! Come and start your bus driving career at our Heckmondwike depot where you will be the heart of the community! Whether it is getting commuters to work, helping customers with popping to the shops or getting children to school. We are proud of our customer service and how we support our community, you will be connecting our customers to what matters to them, get to know familiar faces, build relationships and even be the highlight of someone’s day.
Pay Rates:
- £13.75 per hour - During training and mentoring (around 8 weeks).
- £14.00 per hour - 6 months probation period.
- £16.00 per hour - after successful probation completion.
Pay rates reviewed via frequent pay negotiations.
What’s in it for you?
- Full CPC training.
- Ongoing development and great career opportunities.
- Working for an inclusive and diverse company that puts our customers at the heart of what we do.
- Overtime opportunities.
- Access to the mydrive app where you can win a £50 voucher monthly for the top 2 bus drivers once you have passed.
Hours of Work and Role:
5 out of 7 rotating shift pattern 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.
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.
- 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 opportunities.
- Competitive pay rates.
- Access to the 'Arriva Village', where you can take advantage of store discounts and offers.
- Employee assistance program.
- Free bus travel for you and your family (within the same household).
- Long service awards.
At Arriva we acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success.
Bus Driver Trainee - Start Your Career, Learn and Earn employer: Arriva UK Bus Ltd
At Arriva, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values community connections. As a Bus Driver Trainee at our Heckmondwike depot, you'll enjoy competitive pay rates, comprehensive training, and fantastic career progression opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of our customers. With benefits like free bus travel for you and your family, access to exclusive discounts, and a commitment to employee development, Arriva is the perfect place to start your rewarding career in transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bus Driver Trainee - Start Your Career, Learn and Earn
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Arriva. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! If you’re nervous about the interview, try doing some mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the bus driver role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your people skills! As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with customers daily. Be ready to share examples of how you've provided great customer service in the past. It’s all about building those connections!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to apply for the Bus Driver Trainee position directly on our site. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Arriva team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Bus Driver Trainee - Start Your Career, Learn and Earn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Driving:When you're writing your application, let us know why you want to be a bus driver! Share your enthusiasm for connecting with the community and how you can make someone's day better. We love seeing genuine passion!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially if you've worked in customer service or have driving experience. We want to see how your skills align with our values at Arriva, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the good stuff about you!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy and quick – just a few clicks and you’re on your way to starting your career with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva UK Bus Ltd
✨Know Your Route
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a bus driver and what it entails. Familiarise yourself with Arriva's values and how they connect with the community. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job and show that you're ready to be the heart of the community.
✨Dress for Success
Even though this is a driving position, first impressions matter! Dress smartly and professionally for your interview. It shows respect for the opportunity and indicates that you take the role seriously. A neat appearance can set a positive tone right from the start.
✨Practice Customer Service Scenarios
As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with various customers daily. Prepare for questions about customer service by thinking of examples where you've helped someone or resolved an issue. Highlight your communication skills and ability to build relationships, as these are key in this role.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Since the shifts can start as early as 4AM and vary throughout the week, be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility. Show that you're willing to adapt to the shift patterns and that you understand the importance of being reliable for the community you’ll serve.