Trainee Bus Driver

Arriva TrainCare; Gillingham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free bus travel for you and household

Arriva Village discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Pension

Holiday allowance

Job summary

Arriva TrainCare is hiring a Trainee Bus Driver for our Gillingham depot. You’ll start with fully supported training to gain your PCV license and begin front-line customer service, helping passengers feel safe, welcome and valued.

During the initial training period you’ll earn the base rate, with progression to higher rates after service milestones. The role features rotating shifts, overtime opportunities and a strong emphasis on customer care at the heart of every journey.

Qualifications

• Proven customer service experience is required.
• Aged 18 or over.
• UK driving license held for at least 6 months.
• No more than 6 penalty points on your driving license.
• Ability to pass a drug and alcohol test.
• Ability to pass an English comprehension test.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers warmly and professionally.
• Answer questions and provide journey information.
• Support passengers with additional needs and accessibility requirements.
• Handle situations calmly and empathetically to create a positive experience.

Skills

Customer service experience

Strong communication

Calm under pressure

Flexible shifts

Job description

## Trainee Bus DriverApplylocations: Gillingham Bus Depottime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: JR032114**£12.71 – £17.87 per hour**Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Gillingham depot, where customer service comes first, and people are at the heart of everything we do.This is much more than a driving role. As a Bus Driver, you’ll be a front-line ambassador for Arriva, supporting customers throughout their journeys and helping them feel safe, welcome, and valued. From assisting elderly passengers, reassuring nervous travellers, helping parents and children, to supporting customers with accessibility needs — your people skills will be just as important as your driving.If you have previous customer service experience (for example in retail, hospitality, care, or any customer-facing role) and enjoy helping others, this could be the perfect career change.**Why customer service matters in this role**Every day, you’ll:* Greet customers warmly and professionally* Answer questions and provide journey information* Support passengers with additional needs* Handle situations calmly and empathetically* Create a positive experience, even when things don’t go to planBus Drivers are one of the most thanked jobs in the UK — and that’s because of the human connection you build with your customers.**Pay Rate****£12.71 – £17.87 per hour****During training (first 4–6 weeks):** £12.71 per hour**After training:*** Up to 9 months’ service: £12.71 per hour* 9+ months’ service: £16.85 per hour | Overtime & Weekend: £17.87 per hour**What’s in it for you?*** Fully paid training to gain your PCV license — no previous bus driving experience needed* Arriva Training School with expert instructors* Ongoing mentoring and support once you’re out on the road* Overtime opportunities, including bank holidays, paid at premium rates* Ongoing CPC training* Career development opportunities into management, training, or specialist driving roles* Working for an inclusive, community-focused company where looking after customers is a shared responsibility**Hours of work*** Rotating shift pattern: 5 days out of 7* Shifts published 6–8 weeks in advance* Morning shifts from 04:00* Afternoon shifts from 12:00* Evening shifts from 18:00* Fixed shifts are not available* Overtime available**What we’re looking for*** Aged 18 or over* UK driving license held for at least 6 months* No more than 6 penalty points* Ability to pass a drug and alcohol test* Ability to pass an English comprehension test* Proven customer service experience is required* A friendly, patient, and approachable manner* Confidence communicating with a wide range of customers* The ability to stay calm, polite, and professional in challenging situations* Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends**Benefits*** Access to the Arriva Village — discounts and offers* Employee Assistance Programme* Free bus travel for you and your household* Arriva Workplace Pension* Fantastic career progression opportunities* Long service awards* 20 days holiday plus bank holidaysAt Arriva, we value diversity, inclusion, and the unique experiences our people bring. By putting customers first, we create better journeys, stronger communities, and a workplace where everyone belongs.