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- Tasks: Drive buses and support customers, creating a positive travel experience.
- Company: Join Arriva, a community-focused company that values customer service.
- Benefits: Earn £12.21 – £17.87 per hour with paid training and free bus travel.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, ongoing support, and fantastic career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's journeys while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have a UK driving license, and customer service experience.
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 role
Every 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 Rate
£12.21 – £17.87 per hour
During training (first 4–6 weeks): £12.21 per hour
After training: Up to 9 months’ service: £12.52 per hour
9 months’ service: £16.85 per hour | Overtime & Weekend: £17.87 per hour
What’s in it for you?
- 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
Hours of work
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
Overtime available
What we’re looking for
- 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
Benefits
- Access to the Arriva Village — discounts and offers
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free bus travel for you and your household
- Arriva Workplace Pension
- Fantastic career progression opportunities
- Long service awards
- 20 days holiday plus bank holidays
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 (Hiring Immediately) in Gillingham employer: Arriva
Contact Detail:
Arriva Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver (Hiring Immediately) 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 passengers.
✨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 (Hiring Immediately) in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills: Make sure to highlight any previous customer service experience you have. Whether it’s from retail, hospitality, or any other role, we want to see how you’ve made a positive impact on customers in the past.
Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for friendly and approachable individuals, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and tailor your application accordingly. Mention specific skills or experiences that relate directly to the role of a Bus Driver and how you can contribute to our customer-first approach.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva
✨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 Bus Driver.
✨Research Arriva's Values
Familiarise yourself with Arriva’s commitment to customer service and community focus. During the interview, mention how your values align with theirs. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to be part of their team.
✨Practice Calm Communication
Since the role involves interacting with a diverse range of passengers, practice how you would communicate calmly and professionally in various scenarios. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident and prepared for any situation that might arise on the job.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Expect questions about your availability and flexibility, as the shifts can vary. Be honest about your schedule and express your willingness to adapt. Showing that you’re open to working early mornings, evenings, and weekends will make you a more attractive candidate.