Trainee Bus Driver in Ashington, Northumberland
Trainee Bus Driver in Ashington, Northumberland

Trainee Bus Driver in Ashington, Northumberland

Ashington +1 Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive buses, connect with the community, and provide excellent customer service.
  • Company: Join Arriva, a leading transport provider dedicated to community service and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy full training, gym access, free bus travel for family, and competitive pay rates.
  • Why this job: Be a vital part of your community, build relationships, and enjoy great career progression.
  • Qualifications: Must be 18+, have 6 months driving experience, and possess good people skills.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts, ongoing training, and a chance to win monthly rewards through the Mydrive app.

Trainee Bus Driver

Pay Rate: £13.25 – £15.85 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 someones 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: £13.25 – £15.85 per hour

  • Weekdays – £13.25 first 12 months, £13.55 between 12-24 months service and then £15.40 per hour

  • Weekends – £13.70 first 12 months, £14.00 between 12-24 months service and then £15.85 per hour

  • Bank Holiday – £30 bonus paid per shift.

Whats 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 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 over 18 years of age.
  • Have been driving for a minimum of 6 months.
  • No more than 6 points on your licence.
  • Will need 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.

Locations

Ashington Northumberland

Trainee Bus Driver in Ashington, Northumberland employer: Arriva

Arriva is an exceptional employer for aspiring Bus Drivers in Ashington, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises community connection and customer service. With comprehensive training programmes, ongoing development opportunities, and attractive benefits such as free bus travel for employees and their families, as well as access to an onsite gym, Arriva fosters a rewarding environment where employees can thrive and grow in their careers.
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Contact Detail:

Arriva Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in Ashington, Northumberland

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the local area around Ashington. Knowing the routes and key landmarks will not only help you during your 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 for the flexibility required in this role. Highlighting your willingness to work early mornings, late evenings, and weekends can show that you're ready to meet the demands of the job.

✨Tip Number 4

Connect with current or former bus drivers if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the company culture at Arriva, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Ashington, Northumberland

Customer Service Skills
Communication Skills
Flexibility
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Driving Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Teamwork
Adaptability
Knowledge of Road Safety
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Interpersonal Skills
Basic English Comprehension

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Trainee Bus Driver position. Understand the responsibilities, pay structure, and the importance of customer service in this role.

Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the requirements of the job. Emphasise your people skills and any previous driving experience, even if it's not bus-related.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to providing excellent customer service. Mention why you want to work for Arriva and how you can contribute to the community.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva

✨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 passengers daily. Be prepared to discuss your experience in customer service and how you handle different situations with people. Highlight any relevant examples that demonstrate your communication skills.

✨Be Ready for Practical Questions

Expect questions about driving regulations and safety protocols. Brush up on your knowledge of road safety and be ready to explain how you would ensure the safety of your passengers while driving.

✨Demonstrate Flexibility

The role requires early starts and late finishes, so be sure to express your willingness to work flexible hours. Share any previous experiences where you adapted to changing schedules or worked outside of typical hours.

Trainee Bus Driver in Ashington, Northumberland
Arriva
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