Recruitment & Training Officer

First Group; Leeds; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

First Bus in West Yorkshire is recruiting a Recruitment and Training Officer to lead driver training and development across our West Yorkshire operations. You will coach, mentor and support trainee drivers from their first lesson through to licence acquisition, ensuring safety and high professional standards.

You will coordinate driver CPC modules, remedial coaching, and support local recruitment activities to welcome new starters into First Bus.

Qualifications

• Requires valid PCV (Category D) licence held for at least 2 years.
• Proven experience delivering Category D licence training in bus/coach.
• Experience preparing trainees to DVSA Module 3A/3B tests.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality driver training in line with DVSA standards and training frameworks.
• Train new drivers through approved programmes from initial training to qualification.
• Deliver Driver CPC modules and ongoing development for drivers.
• Provide remedial coaching after incidents or performance concerns.
• Invigilate theory tests and support qualification process.

Skills

PCV Category D licence

DVSA training standards

Coaching and mentoring

Driver CPC knowledge

DVSA Module 3 training

Effective communication

Education

PTLLS / Level 3 Award in Education & Training

Job description

Location: Flexible across First Bus West Yorkshire, primarily based at the depot nearest to home, with regular travel to other West Yorkshire locations as required

The Role

Are you passionate about developing people and helping others achieve their full potential? Do you enjoy coaching, mentoring and creating a positive learning environment?

We're looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Recruitment and Training Officer to join our team in West Yorkshire, playing a key role in delivering high‑quality driver training, coaching and development across our operations.

As an experienced Driver Trainer within the bus industry, you’ll have a proven track record of delivering Category D licence acquisition training and successfully preparing candidates for DVSA Module 3 tests. You’ll bring a strong understanding of current DVSA standards, driver assessment criteria and professional driving requirements, alongside the ability to coach, mentor and support trainee drivers from their first lesson through to licence acquisition and operational readiness.

In this role, you’ll support both new trainee drivers and existing colleagues, delivering driver training programmes, Driver CPC modules, remedial coaching and ongoing development. You’ll help ensure everyone receives the guidance, encouragement and training needed to succeed, while maintaining high standards of safety, professionalism and operational excellence.

You’ll also play an important role in supporting local recruitment activities, helping to create a positive and welcoming experience for candidates and new starters joining First Bus.

What will you be doing

• Deliver high-quality driver training and coaching in line with DVSA standards, company training frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• Train new drivers through approved First Bus Franchising training programmes, supporting them from initial training through to qualification.
• Deliver Driver CPC modules, ongoing development programmes and operational training to both new and experienced drivers.
• Provide remedial coaching and development following incidents, complaints, performance concerns or driving assessments, helping colleagues build confidence and competence.
• Invigilate theory tests and provide guidance and support throughout the qualification process.
• Create a positive, inclusive and engaging learning environment, providing constructive feedback, encouragement and support to trainees.
• Work closely with local managers and operational teams across West Yorkshire to ensure training requirements and operational needs are met.
• Support local recruitment activities, including assessment centres, interviews and recruitment events.
• Deliver effective inductions, ensuring new colleagues understand company policies, procedures and safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate training, assessment, compliance and recruitment records.
• Identify opportunities to continuously improve training content, delivery methods and the overall trainee experience.
• Manage training schedules and priorities effectively, adapting to operational requirements and training vehicle availability.
• Undertake driving duties when required and ensure effective communication and handovers across shifts and locations.
• Act as a professional ambassador for First Bus and the WYCA Weaver Network, promoting our values, safety standards and commitment to excellent customer service.
• Support community engagement and stakeholder activities, helping to strengthen relationships and enhance our reputation across West Yorkshire.

Working Pattern and Flexibility

• This role requires flexibility in both working location and working hours.
• The post holder will be required to work a combination of early, middle and late shifts to support operational and training requirements.
• Regular travel across all West Yorkshire locations will be required.
• Occasional weekend working may be necessary to meet business needs.
• Flexibility is essential to ensure training, recruitment and compliance requirements are delivered effectively across the West Yorkshire operation.

Skills/Experience

• Valid PCV (Category D) Licence, held for a minimum of 2 years.
• Proven experience delivering Category D licence acquisition training within the bus or coach industry.
• Demonstrable track record of preparing and supporting trainee drivers to successfully achieve DVSA Module 3A and 3B practical driving tests.
• Strong understanding of DVSA testing standards, assessment requirements and current driver training best practices.
• Experience coaching, mentoring and developing trainee drivers to meet professional driving standards.
• Thorough knowledge of bus operations, road transport legislation, driver hours, working time regulations and safety requirements.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide constructive feedback and adapt training to individual learning needs
• Recognised instructional or training qualification (e.g. PTLLS, Level 3 Award in Education & Training, RTITB, NVDIR or equivalent).
• Experience delivering Driver CPC or operational refresher training.
• Experience conducting driving assessments, probationary reviews and remedial driver training.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship standards and funded driver development programmes.