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- Tasks: Drive buses while providing excellent customer service and support to passengers.
- Company: Join Arriva, a community-focused company that values people and diversity.
- Benefits: Paid training, competitive pay, free bus travel, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's journeys and be a valued community ambassador.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving license, and have customer service experience.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with ongoing support and mentoring from expert instructors.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 17 £ per hour.
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Gillingham depot, where customer service comes first, and people are at the heart of everything we do. This is much more than a driving role. As a Bus Driver, you’ll be a front-line ambassador for Arriva, supporting customers throughout their journeys and helping them feel safe, welcome, and valued. From assisting elderly passengers, reassuring nervous travellers, helping parents and children, to supporting customers with accessibility needs — your people skills will be just as important as your driving.
If you have previous customer service experience (for example in retail, hospitality, care, or any customer-facing role) and enjoy helping others, this could be the perfect career change.
Why customer service matters in this roleEvery day, you’ll:
- Greet customers warmly and professionally
- Answer questions and provide journey information
- Support passengers with additional needs
- Handle situations calmly and empathetically
- Create a positive experience, even when things don’t go to plan
Bus Drivers are one of the most thanked jobs in the UK — and that’s because of the human connection you build with your customers.
Pay RateDuring training (first 4–6 weeks): £12.21 per hour
After training:
Up to 6 months’ service: £12.52 per hour
6+ months’ service: £16.85 per hour | Overtime £17.87 per hour
- Fully paid training to gain your PCV license — no previous bus driving experience needed
- Arriva Training School with expert instructors
- Ongoing mentoring and support once you’re out on the road
- Overtime opportunities, including bank holidays, paid at premium rates
- Ongoing CPC training
- Career development opportunities into management, training, or specialist driving roles
- Working for an inclusive, community-focused company where looking after customers is a shared responsibility
Rotating shift pattern: 5 days out of 7
Shifts published 6–8 weeks in advance
Morning shifts from 04:00
Afternoon shifts from 12:00
Evening shifts from 18:00
Fixed shifts are not available
- Aged 18 or over
- UK driving license held for at least 6 months
- No more than 6 penalty points
- Ability to pass a drug and alcohol test
- Ability to pass an English comprehension test
- Proven customer service experience is required
- A friendly, patient, and approachable manner
- Confidence communicating with a wide range of customers
- The ability to stay calm, polite, and professional in challenging situations
- Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends
Access to the Arriva Village— discounts and offers
Employee Assistance Programme
Free bus travel for you and your household
Fantastic career progression opportunities
Long service awards
At Arriva, we value diversity, inclusion, and the unique experiences our people bring. By putting customers first, we create better journeys, stronger communities, and a workplace where everyone belongs.
Trainee Bus Driver in Gillingham employer: Arriva UK Bus Ltd
Contact Detail:
Arriva UK Bus Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in Gillingham
✨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 team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since this role is all about customer service, think of examples from your past experiences where you've helped others. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to demonstrate your ability to connect with customers.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look professional and approachable. A smart appearance can set the tone for a positive interaction right from the start.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen to join the Arriva family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills: Since this role is all about people, make sure to highlight any customer service experience you have. Whether it’s from retail, hospitality, or any other customer-facing job, let us know how you've made a positive impact on customers' experiences.
Be Yourself in Your Application: We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your written application. Share your passion for helping others and how you connect with people — it’s what we value most!
Tailor Your Application to Us: Take a moment to read through the job description and align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. Mention specific examples that relate to the responsibilities of a Bus Driver, especially around customer interaction.
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward, and we can’t wait to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva UK Bus Ltd
✨Know Your Customer Service Skills
Make sure to highlight your previous customer service experience during the interview. Think of specific examples where you’ve helped customers, especially in challenging situations. This will show that you understand the importance of being a friendly and approachable ambassador for Arriva.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Patience
Prepare to discuss how you would handle various passenger scenarios, such as assisting elderly customers or those with accessibility needs. Showing that you can remain calm and empathetic under pressure will be key to proving you’re the right fit for this role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Role
Research what it means to be a Bus Driver at Arriva. Understand the daily responsibilities and challenges, and think about how you can contribute positively to the customer experience. This knowledge will help you answer questions more confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training process, ongoing support, or career progression opportunities. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if Arriva is the right fit for you.