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- Tasks: Drive buses and connect your community while building relationships with passengers.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leading transport company dedicated to customer service and community support.
- Benefits: Earn £13.70 - £16.45 per hour, enjoy 28-33 days leave, and access an onsite gym.
- Other info: Full training provided, flexible shifts, and fantastic career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Become a vital part of your community and be one of the most thanked jobs in the UK!
- Qualifications: Must be 21+, have 6 months driving experience, and great people skills.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.
Pay Rate: £13.70 - £16.45 per hour
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.
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
Bank Holiday - £30 bonus paid per shift.
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, 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 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.
- Great people skills.
- 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 and training opportunities.
- 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.
- 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 (Hiring Immediately) in Suffolk employer: Arriva
Contact Detail:
Arriva Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver (Hiring Immediately) in Suffolk
✨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 people skills! As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with all sorts of passengers. Try role-playing common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and communication skills.
✨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 can make you a more attractive candidate. Plus, it shows you're ready to jump in and help out!
✨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 latest opportunities and updates directly from Arriva.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver (Hiring Immediately) in Suffolk
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 love for driving and how you enjoy connecting with people in your community. This will help us see your enthusiasm for the role!
Highlight Your People Skills: As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Make sure to mention any experience you have in customer service or working with the public. We want to know how you can make someone's day better while they're on your bus!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the Trainee Bus Driver position. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva
✨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 People Skills
As a Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with various passengers daily. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past, highlighting your ability to handle different situations with a friendly attitude.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Since the job involves early mornings and late shifts, be prepared to discuss your availability. Show that you're flexible and willing to adapt to the rotating shift patterns they have in place.
✨Understand Safety Regulations
Brush up on road safety regulations and the importance of passenger safety. Being knowledgeable about these topics will demonstrate your seriousness about the role and your responsibility as a driver.