Trainee Bus Driver

First Group; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid training

Free bus travel for you and family

Discounted train travel

Job summary

First Bus in Chelmsford is seeking trainee bus drivers for a new driver apprenticeship. You will receive paid training for 8 months, start with an £15.88 per hour during training, rising to £16.95 per hour after qualification, and work 38 hours across a 5‑day week on a rosta.

Successful applicants will gain PCV and CPC training, building a career path with potential progression into leadership or instructor roles within First Bus.

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.

Skills

Full UK licence (max 6 points)

Positive attitude

People-first mindset

Willingness to learn

Reliable and safety-focused

UK work eligibility

Job description

Apprentice Bus Driver - full training provided

Starting January 2027

£15.88 per hour whilst in training (6-8 weeks), salary then increases to £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.