Trainee Bus Driver

First Group; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid training

Free Bus travel for you & your family

Discounted train travel on various ser

First Xclusives: 3,000+ retail discs

Health support, pension, and wellbeing

Structured onboarding and mentoring

Opportunity to grow into team leader

Job summary

First Bus in Chelmsford, Essex is offering an Apprentice Bus Driver role with full training provided. You will be paid £16.95 per hour for 38 hours per week, five days a week, with shifts scheduled in advance. The 8-month training programme leads to PCV and CPC qualifications and a career keeping Chelmsford moving.

Ideal candidates have a UK licence for at least 6 months, a positive, safety‑minded attitude, and a willingness to learn new skills. Background checks are part of the process.

Qualifications

• Full UK licence (max 6 points) held for 6+ months.
• Positive attitude and people-first mindset.
• Willingness to learn a new skill.
• Reliable and safety-focused.
• UK work eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Train for PCV and CPC while earning pay.
• Safely operate buses across local community after qualification.
• Complete 8-month driver training programme with industry experts.
• Support customer service and safety throughout shifts.

Skills

Full UK licence

Positive attitude

Willingness to learn

Reliable and safety-focused

UK work eligibility

Job description

Apprentice Bus Driver - full training provided

£16.95 per hour

Chelmsford, Essex

38 hours per week - 5 days per week Monday – Sunday (hours assigned in advance on a shift / rota basis)

When it comes to offering training and development, we're First.

Why join First Bus?

Whether you've worked in retail, warehouses, offices or are returning to work after a break—First Bus is a place where people from all walks of life build great careers. With paid training, job security and strong community roots, we'll support your fresh start every step of the way.

The role

We're looking for trainee drivers to help keep Chelmsford moving. If you've had your UK licence for at least 6 months, we'll pay you to train for your PCV and CPC. Once qualified, you'll safely operate buses across your local community and make a real difference in people's daily lives.

Our New Driver Training Programme

Our new driver training programme takes places across 8 months, supporting you during the first year in your new role. Training is delivered by industry experts and our specialist training partners in a variety of interactive sessions. Including customer service skills, incident management, safeguarding and much more! In addition to gaining a First Bus – level 2 bus driving apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised qualification in Maths & English (if required).

What's in it for you?

• Fully paid training
• Free Bus travel for you & your family
• Discounted train travel on various services.
• First Xclusives: 3,000+ retail discounts
• Health support, pension, and wellbeing benefits
• Structured onboarding and mentoring
• Opportunity to grow into team leader, controller or instructor roles

What You'll Need

• Full UK licence (max 6 points), held for 6+ months
• Positive attitude and people-first mindset
• Willingness to learn a new skill
• Reliable and safety-focused
• UK work eligibility

We aim to build teams that reflect the truly diversecommunities we serve. We welcome applications from all, as our varied experiences and differences become our collective strength

Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process.