Trainee Controller

Trainee Controller

Trainee 42000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Arriva

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage bus services, guide drivers, and ensure safe, efficient operations.
  • Company: Join Arriva London, a leader in bus service management.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free travel, exclusive discounts, and generous holiday leave.
  • Other info: Comprehensive training and clear progression path available.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of keeping London moving with a rewarding career.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 42000 £ per year.

Location: Purley Way

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding career in the dynamic world of bus service management? Arriva London is seeking driven, adaptable, and dedicated individuals to join our Route Performance Team as Controllers. This is your chance to thrive in a challenging yet highly rewarding role, supported by comprehensive training and a clear progression path. Bus Service Management is a career like no other, and as an Arriva Controller, you’ll be at the forefront of keeping London moving. In this role, you’ll manage services within the demanding Transport for London (TFL) network, guiding drivers and ensuring buses run safely, efficiently, and on time.

Controllers are the backbone of our 24/7 operation, working shifts to:

  • Communicate with drivers via radio and face-to-face.
  • Use advanced GPS tracking and other technologies to oversee bus services.
  • Ensure compliance with TFL standards.

Training & Progression

Our recruitment process includes an initial application review and interview. If selected:

  • Training: A paid 4-week training course equips you with the skills and knowledge to succeed.
  • Mentorship: Following training, you’ll be paired with a mentor to support your transition into the role.

Earnings:

  • Trainee Controller Rate (0–6 months): £42,000
  • Controller Rate (6–18 months): £44,000
  • Controller Rate (18+ months): £49,337
  • Overtime Rate: £29.03/hour (Rates are subject to an annual salary review.)

Schedule: Five days out of seven, on a rolling rota, including weekends.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking individuals who thrive in fast-paced, problem-solving environments and demonstrate exceptional communication and leadership skills. Successful candidates will possess:

  • Strong Communication Skills: Clear and fluent English is essential, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
  • Critical Thinking: A logical approach to problem-solving and the ability to assess situations quickly and accurately.
  • Calm Under Pressure: The ability to maintain composure and make sound decisions in high-pressure scenarios.
  • Situational Awareness: A sharp understanding of dynamic environments and the ability to adapt accordingly.
  • Team Leadership: The ability to influence behaviours and build positive working relationships at all levels.

Why Join Us?

At Arriva London, we value and reward your commitment. Here’s what we offer:

  • Free Travel: FL Oyster Bus Pass (plus a nominee pass after 3 months’ service)
  • Exclusive Discounts: Access to Arriva Village, our employee benefits platform, featuring discounts from top retailers.
  • Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured) offering support on family, financial, and childcare matters.
  • Generous Leave: 33 days of holiday (including bank holidays), with increases based on service length.
  • Performance Rewards: A company bonus structure.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and being part of a highly skilled team, apply today and start your journey toward becoming an Arriva London Controller.

Trainee Controller employer: Arriva

Arriva London is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering comprehensive training and a clear progression path within the dynamic field of bus service management. With benefits such as free travel, exclusive discounts, and generous leave, alongside a supportive work culture that values communication and teamwork, Arriva London provides a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in keeping London moving.

Arriva

Contact Details:

Arriva Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Trainee Controller

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. This can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to communication and problem-solving. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and get feedback.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your situational awareness during the interview. Share examples of how you've handled pressure in the past, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your genuine interest in joining the Arriva London team.

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Controller

Communication Skills
Critical Thinking
Calm Under Pressure
Situational Awareness
Team Leadership
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Trainee Controller role. Highlight your communication skills and any experience in fast-paced environments, as these are key traits we’re looking for.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. We want to see your critical thinking in action, so don’t hold back on sharing those stories!

Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, be clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps you stand out in the process.

How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva

Know the Role Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you understand what being a Trainee Controller involves. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around communication with drivers and managing bus services. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since strong communication is key for this position, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles. Think about times when you had to convey important information clearly or resolve conflicts. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thoughts during the interview.

Demonstrate Calmness Under Pressure

Controllers often work in high-pressure situations, so be ready to discuss how you handle stress. Prepare a few anecdotes where you successfully managed a challenging situation. This will illustrate your ability to stay composed and make sound decisions when it matters most.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, mentorship opportunities, or what a typical day looks like for a Controller. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.