At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to drive local bus services, ensuring safe and comfortable journeys for passengers.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leading UK bus operator embracing innovative technology.
- Benefits: Earn £13.60 per hour while training, rising to £14.60 once qualified, plus health benefits.
- Other info: Enjoy guaranteed hours, structured rotas, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by connecting people and providing essential transport.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence, strong communication skills, and a flexible approach to shifts.
The predicted salary is between 28208 - 30408 £ per year.
About First Bus: Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators? Join a forward-thinking company that embraces cutting‑edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.
We’re looking for Trainee drivers to join our team in Taunton. No previous bus driving experience is needed; if you’ve got a full UK driving licence and good people skills, we’ll provide all the training and support you need to become a qualified driver. This is a permanent, full‑time role with guaranteed contracted hours, planned rotas, and clear progression from day one.
What’s in it for you?
- You’ll start on £13.60 per hour while training, increasing to £14.60 per hour once fully qualified.
- This is a permanent role with guaranteed contracted hours and structured rotas planned in advance, giving you more stability and predictability around your working week.
- You’ll work a variety of shifts across mornings, evenings, and weekends, with weekday time off built into the rota and opportunities for overtime to increase earnings where available.
The Role
You’ll be trained to safely operate local bus services across Taunton and surrounding areas, helping passengers travel to work, education, appointments, shopping, and days out. This is a customer‑facing role where safety, professionalism, and reliability are key. You’ll play an important role in keeping Taunton connected while delivering a safe and comfortable journey experience for passengers. Shifts are rota‑based and include early mornings, evenings, and weekends, with schedules provided in advance.
What We’re Looking For:
- Full UK driving licence held for at least 6 months
- Maximum of 6 penalty points
- Minimum age of 18
- Right to work in the UK
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- Flexible approach to shift work
- No PCV licence is required, full training is provided.
Apply today and start your next journey with First Bus. Background checks will form part of the recruitment process.
Rewards:
- Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advice.
- Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support.
- We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc.
- Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass.
- Free onsite parking + cycle to work scheme.
- Up to 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays.
- Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted FirstGroup shares.
- Enhanced maternity / paternity pay.
Trainee Bus Driver in Taunton employer: First Bus
First Bus is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering comprehensive training for Trainee Bus Drivers in Taunton. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, employees enjoy a supportive work culture, guaranteed contracted hours, and structured rotas that provide stability. Additionally, benefits such as health support, discounted travel, and generous holiday allowances make First Bus a rewarding place to advance your career in public transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research First Bus and understand their values, especially their commitment to sustainability and innovation. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Trainee Bus Driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and communication skills before the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible with your availability! Since the role involves various shifts, showing that you're open to working mornings, evenings, and weekends can make you a more attractive candidate. Highlight this flexibility when chatting with recruiters.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining First Bus. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Use a friendly tone and share a bit about your passion for driving and helping people.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Trainee Bus Driver role. Highlight any relevant skills, like your communication abilities and customer service experience. We love seeing how you connect with our values!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, we’re looking for reliability and professionalism!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
✨Know the Company
Before your interview, take some time to research First Bus. Understand their commitment to sustainability and innovation in public transport. This will not only show your interest but also help you align your answers with their values.
✨Highlight Your People Skills
As a Trainee Bus Driver, strong communication and customer service skills are essential. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully interacted with customers or worked as part of a team. This will demonstrate that you can handle the customer-facing aspects of the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle various situations on the job. Think about scenarios involving passenger safety, dealing with difficult customers, or managing unexpected delays. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Show Flexibility and Enthusiasm
First Bus values a flexible approach to shift work. Be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work different shifts, including early mornings and weekends. Showing enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to learn will make a positive impression.
