At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses and connect your community while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Arriva, a diverse company dedicated to serving the community.
- Benefits: Earn £13.70 - £16.45 per hour, enjoy free bus travel for your family, and access an onsite gym.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, ongoing training, and a chance to win monthly rewards.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with full training and great progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Must be 21+, have driving experience, and possess great people skills.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ 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.
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:
- 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
Training:
- 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.
Benefits:
- 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.
- 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.
Additional 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 in Northumberland employer: Arrivatc
Join Arriva as a Trainee Bus Driver at our Ashington depot, where you will play a vital role in connecting the community and providing exceptional service. We offer comprehensive training, competitive pay rates, and numerous benefits including free bus travel for you and your family, access to an onsite gym, and fantastic career progression opportunities. Our inclusive work culture values diversity and supports your growth, making Arriva an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in Northumberland
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Arriva and their values. When you show up for your interview, drop in some knowledge about their community work or customer service ethos. It’ll show you’re genuinely interested and not just another candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with all sorts of passengers. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with different situations. The more relaxed you are, the better you’ll come across in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! With shifts starting as early as 4AM, it’s important to show that you can handle the varied hours. Mention your availability during the interview and how you plan to manage your time effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can keep track of your application status easily. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to kickstart your bus driving career with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Northumberland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community:When you're writing your application, let us know why you want to be a part of the Arriva family. Share your enthusiasm for connecting with the community and how you can contribute to our customer service ethos.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven't driven a bus before, mention any driving experience you have. If you've worked in customer service or have great people skills, make sure to showcase that too – it’s all about those connections!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Trainee Bus Driver role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arrivatc
✨Know Your Community
As a Trainee Bus Driver, you'll be at the heart of your community. Research local landmarks, popular routes, and community events. This shows your commitment to customer service and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Great people skills are essential for this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully interacted with customers or resolved conflicts in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to handle various situations on the job.
✨Understand the Shift Patterns
Familiarise yourself with the rotating shift patterns mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your flexibility and willingness to work early mornings or late evenings, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for the Tests
You'll need to pass an English comprehension test and undergo a drug and alcohol test. Brush up on your English skills and ensure you're aware of the testing process. This preparation will help you feel more confident during the interview.
