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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses and help your community get around safely and efficiently.
- Company: Join Go North East, a vibrant team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals.
- Benefits: Earn competitive pay, enjoy overtime opportunities, and receive full training with no prior experience needed.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Just 6 months of car driving experience is required; we provide all the bus driving training you need.
- Other info: Choose your preferred work location from various garages across the region.
The predicted salary is between 25796 - 30095 £ per year.
Join the Elite Driver Academy and serve your community with pride! Being a bus driver is a job with real purpose, and days are never the same as you’re out and about driving around the region. Our drivers help people to get out and about whether that’s to work or school, a night out or a trip to the shops or doctors, so it’s a really important job and our garages are real communities in their own right with a real team spirit.
What will I earn?
Existing PCV licence holders joining the company will earn £14.84 per hour (£30,095) from day one. Non PCV licence holders start on £12.21 per hour rising to £12.72 per hour once qualified (approx 4 weeks). This increases to £14.84 per hour after a year in the job. This takes the basic annual wage for Go North East bus drivers on a guaranteed 39 hour week to £25,796 in the first year and £30,095 after year one (or from day one for existing licence holders). Overtime is also regularly available if you’d like to boost your earnings - it’s not uncommon for drivers to earn around £33,500 a year!
Where will I be based?
Almost 2,000 people work at the company, driving and maintaining its fleet of 500 buses at garages across the region in Gateshead, Sunderland, Washington, North Tyneside, Hexham and Consett. We have ongoing vacancies at most locations and you can request which location you’d like to work at and we will try and accommodate or offer you the nearest location of your choice.
Do I need to have a bus driving licence to apply?
No previous bus driving experience is required to become a bus driver, thanks to our award-winning in-house Training Academy, where full training is provided. All we ask is that you have a minimum 6 months' car driving experience. We’ll teach you how to drive a bus, put you through your bus driving test, whilst also covering accessibility and customer services training. Ongoing training will also be provided.
Bus Driver employer: Go North East
Contact Detail:
Go North East Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area where you want to work. Knowing the routes and key locations can give you an edge during interviews, showing your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any customer service experience you have. As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily, so demonstrating your ability to provide excellent service will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former bus drivers through social media or local community groups. They can provide insights into the job and share tips on what the company values in its drivers.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your driving experience in detail. Even if it's just car driving, being able to articulate your skills and safety record can help reassure the hiring team of your capabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what being a bus driver entails. Read through the job description carefully to grasp the responsibilities and the importance of the role in serving the community.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don't have bus driving experience, emphasise your car driving experience and any customer service roles you've held. This will show that you have the necessary skills for the job.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to serving the community. Mention why you want to join the Elite Driver Academy and how you can contribute to the team spirit.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Go North East
✨Show Your Passion for Community Service
As a bus driver, you'll be serving your community, so it's essential to express your enthusiasm for helping others during the interview. Share any relevant experiences where you've made a positive impact in your community or how you enjoy being part of a team that supports local residents.
✨Highlight Your Driving Experience
Even though no previous bus driving experience is required, having a minimum of 6 months' car driving experience is crucial. Be sure to discuss your driving history, any challenges you've faced on the road, and how you've handled them safely and responsibly.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Since the company offers comprehensive training, it's important to convey your eagerness to learn new skills. Talk about your adaptability and how you thrive in learning environments, especially when it comes to customer service and accessibility training.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company. You might want to inquire about the team culture at the garages or what a typical day looks like for a bus driver.
