At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses safely, ensuring passenger comfort and timely communication.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leader in community transportation services.
- Benefits: Enjoy free bus travel, discounts, generous leave, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Permanent, full-time role with a £3,000 bonus for qualified drivers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: Valid PCV licence and CPC certification required; strong communication skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ 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.
Trainee Bus Driver – Portsmouth, Hilsea
£13.89 per hour while training, £15.11 per hour once fully qualified
Join our team as a Bus Driver in Portsmouth. No previous bus driving experience is required. If you hold a full UK driving licence, enjoy helping people, and have a positive, reliable attitude, we'll provide fully paid training to help you become a qualified professional driver. As part of one of the UK's leading bus operators, you'll enjoy job security, excellent employee benefits, and genuine opportunities to progress your career.
What’s in it for you?
You’ll start on £13.89 per hour while training, increasing to £15.11 per hour once fully qualified. This is a full time 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 operate local bus services across Portsmouth and surrounding areas, helping passengers travel to work, education, appointments, shopping, and days out across the city. This is a customer-facing role where safety, professionalism, and reliability are key. You’ll play an important role in keeping Portsmouth 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.
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 advise. 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
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Trainee Bus Driver in Portsmouth employer: First Group
First Group in Doncaster is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development through fully paid training for aspiring bus drivers. With benefits like free bus travel for family and discounted rail travel, employees enjoy a rewarding work-life balance while contributing to the local community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and bus routes in Hilsea. Knowing the streets, landmarks, and common traffic patterns will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily, so being able to communicate effectively and handle any issues that arise is crucial. Consider practising scenarios where you might need to assist passengers.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your safety record and driving experience during any discussions. Being safety-conscious is key for this role, so be prepared to share examples of how you've prioritised safety in your previous driving positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Be flexible with your availability. Since the job requires various shift patterns, showing that you're willing to work mornings, evenings, and weekends can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Bus Driver. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your experience aligns with their requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your driving experience, especially if you hold a valid PCV licence and CPC certification. Mention any previous roles that involved customer service or safety monitoring.
Tailor Your Application:Customise your application to reflect the specific skills and qualities the company is looking for, such as strong communication skills and a commitment to safety. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate these traits.
Proofread Your Documents:Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Group
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the local area and the bus routes you will be driving. Being able to discuss specific routes during your interview shows that you are proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Highlight Safety Awareness
Emphasise your commitment to safety and any relevant experience you have in maintaining passenger comfort. Be prepared to discuss how you handle difficult situations or emergencies while on the road.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
As a bus driver, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with passengers or team members in the past, especially in challenging situations.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Orientation
Be ready to talk about your approach to customer service. Share experiences where you went above and beyond to assist passengers, as this will highlight your dedication to providing a welcoming environment.
