At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with the community, and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leading transport provider dedicated to connecting people and communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid training, free bus travel for your family, and access to exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community and enjoy great career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have 6 months driving experience, and possess strong customer service skills.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns and potential for overtime make this role adaptable to your lifestyle.
Trainee Bus Driver
Pay Rate: £12.60 – £14.75 per hour
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Heckmondwike 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: £12.60 – £14.75 per hour
£12.60 per hour – During training and mentoring (around 8 weeks).
£13.20 per hour – 6 months probation period.
£14.75 per hour – after successful probation completion.
Pay rates reviewed via frequent pay negotiations
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 last approx. 4 weeks and will take place at our Dewsbury depot, before you then work with a mentor for a further few weeks.
- Overtime opportunities
- 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 put’s 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:
- 5 out of 7 rotating shift patterns, planned 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
- Can pass a drug and alcohol test
- Great people and customer service skills
- Flexibility to work shifts
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 (Leeds) employer: Arriva Yorkshire Limited
Contact Detail:
Arriva Yorkshire Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver (Leeds)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and bus routes in Leeds. Knowing the streets and landmarks will not only help you during training but also impress your interviewers with your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with various passengers daily, so demonstrating your ability to handle different situations with a friendly attitude can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shift patterns. Since the role requires working various shifts, showing that you're adaptable and willing to work at different times will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight any previous driving experience you have, even if it's not bus-related. This could include driving for work or personal use, as it demonstrates your comfort behind the wheel and understanding of road safety.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver (Leeds)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what being a Trainee Bus Driver entails. Familiarise yourself with the job description and the responsibilities involved in providing excellent customer service.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the role. Emphasise your customer service abilities, flexibility with shift patterns, and any previous driving experience to make your application stand out.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and your commitment to community service. Mention why you want to work for Arriva specifically and how you can contribute to their mission of connecting customers to what matters.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a driving role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Yorkshire Limited
✨Know the Company
Before your interview, take some time to research Arriva and their values. Understanding their commitment to customer service and community will help you align your answers with what they are looking for.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with various customers daily. Be prepared to share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The job requires working rotating shifts, so it's important to express your willingness to adapt to different schedules. Highlight any previous experience you have with shift work or flexible hours.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your driving experience and safety awareness. Be ready to discuss your driving history and how you would handle various scenarios on the road.