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- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with your community, and provide essential transport services.
- Company: Join Arriva, a diverse company dedicated to customer service and community support.
- Benefits: Paid training, competitive pay, gym access, and free bus travel for you and your family.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, career progression opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community and make someone's day brighter.
- Qualifications: Must be 21+, have driving experience, and pass a drug test.
The predicted salary is between 28500 - 33500 £ per year.
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Ashington 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:
- Weekdays - £13.70 first 12 months, £14.00 between 12-24 months service and then £16.00 per hour
- Weekends - £14.15 first 12 months, £14.45 between 12-24 months service and then £16.45 per hour
What’s in it for you?
- Full paid training where you'll receive your PCV licence - you'll 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.
- 28 days annual leave rising to 33 days.
- Onsite gym.
- 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.
- 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 at least 21 years of age for Ashington depot.
- 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.
- 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.
Additional Benefits:
- Free to use staff bus operates a route around the Ashington area in the mornings and evenings to get drivers to and from work at those early start times and late finishes.
- 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.
- An onsite gym at our Ashington depot.
- 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 in Northumberland 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 Northumberland
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Arriva and their values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with all sorts of people. Think about how you can make someone's day better and be ready to share examples during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible with your availability! Since the shifts can start as early as 4AM, showing that you're open to different hours will make you a more attractive candidate. Plus, it shows you're committed to the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and training opportunities right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Northumberland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community: When you're writing your application, let us know why you want to be a part of the community as a Bus Driver. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to customer service and connecting with people.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff. Highlight your driving experience and any relevant qualifications.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Trainee Bus Driver role. Mention specific aspects of the job description that excite you, like the training opportunities or the chance to build relationships with passengers.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva UK Bus Ltd
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the local area and key routes you might be driving. This shows your commitment to the role and helps you answer questions about customer service and community engagement.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past, whether in previous jobs or everyday situations.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about driving regulations and safety procedures. Brush up on your knowledge of road safety and be prepared to discuss how you would handle various driving scenarios.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Team Spirit
Highlight your willingness to work varied shifts and your ability to collaborate with colleagues. Arriva values teamwork, so share experiences that showcase your adaptability and cooperative nature.