At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to operate local bus services and ensure passenger safety and comfort.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leading UK bus operator embracing innovation.
- Benefits: Earn £13.60 per hour while training, rising to £14.60 once qualified, plus health perks.
- Other info: Enjoy discounts, free bus travel, and up to 5 weeks holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while enjoying job stability and growth.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence, strong communication skills, and a flexible approach to shifts.
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: Training to Qualified Driver (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, we provide a supportive work culture, guaranteed contracted hours, and clear progression paths from day one. Employees enjoy a range of benefits including health support, discounted travel, and generous holiday allowances, making it a rewarding place to build a career in public transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver: Training to Qualified Driver (Taunton)
✨Get Hands-On with Logistics
Look for opportunities to volunteer or intern with local transport companies or logistics firms. This experience can give you real insights into the industry and make you much more attractive to First Bus when applying for the Trainee Bus Driver: Training to Qualified Driver (Taunton) position.
✨Join Transportation or Logistics Groups
Find and join online communities or forums focused on transportation and logistics. Engaging with industry professionals in places like LinkedIn or relevant Facebook groups can help you stay updated on industry trends and job openings at First Bus.
✨Visit Career Fairs and Networking Events
Keep an eye out for career fairs specifically focused on transportation and logistics. Attending these events is a great way to meet potential employers like First Bus and create a more personal connection that could land you that Trainee Bus Driver: Training to Qualified Driver (Taunton) role.
✨Directly Apply on Our Website
Don't forget to head over to our website to apply for the Trainee Bus Driver: Training to Qualified Driver (Taunton) role at First Bus. It’s often the best way to ensure your application stands out, and you'll be engaging directly with our hiring team.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:In the transportation and logistics field, having great organisational skills is key. Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience, like managing schedules or coordinating deliveries. If you've handled logistics in a volunteer role or a part-time gig, shout about it!
Show Your Willingness to Learn:As a trainee, we want to see your excitement about learning and growing in this space. When writing your cover letter, talk about why you're passionate about transportation and logistics, and how you hope to develop your skills with us at First Bus in this role.
Use Industry-Specific Language:When crafting your application, sprinkle in some industry-specific jargon that shows you're familiar with the world of logistics. Terms like 'supply chain management', 'route optimisation', or 'inventory control' will help demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the field.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Make sure to adapt your CV specifically for this trainee position. Focus on your educational background relevant to logistics, any pertinent coursework, and highlight any practical experience, even if it’s just coursework projects. Let’s make your application stand out to First Bus!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
✨Get to Grips with Logistics Basics
As a trainee in transportation and logistics, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the basics, like supply chain principles and inventory management. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss them, as they might pop up in scenarios during the interview with First Bus.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Logistics relies heavily on strong organisational abilities. Be prepared to share examples of how you've handled multiple tasks or managed deadlines in the past. It could be anything from a project at uni to volunteering—showing your potential through experiences can really impress the interviewers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Tools
Make sure you're familiar with commonly used logistics software or tools like TMS (Transportation Management Systems) or warehouse management solutions. If you’ve used any related tech during your studies or internships, be ready to talk about your experience. It shows you're actively engaged and ready to hit the ground running at First Bus.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As a trainee, your willingness to learn will be just as important as what you already know. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for the transportation-logistics field and your desire to absorb knowledge and skills from those around you. It's all about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a valuable learning opportunity at First Bus.
