Arriva Group
Trainee Bus Driver
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Trainee Bus Driver
£12.71 – £17.85 per hour
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Harlow depot, where you'll be at the heart of your community!
Our drivers play a vital role—whether it's transporting commuters to work, supporting customers with essential trips to the shops, or safely escorting children to school. This is your opportunity to connect people to what matters most and be part of an essential service.
Bus drivers are consistently thanked among the most valued professions in the UK. At Arriva, we pride ourselves on unwavering customer service and community support—and we’re looking for like-minded individuals to join our team.
About the Role
As a Trainee Bus Driver, you’ll:
- Build strong community relationships, knowing the regulars on your routes and becoming a trusted part of their day.
- Get paid to earn a PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence through full, subsidised training.
- Progress into a full-time role with long-term career opportunities, from management to specialist training.
Our Harlow depot operates a mix of commuter routes, school services, and essential local journeys, ensuring you’re engaged in meaningful, community-focused work. With flexible shifts, competitive pay, and wages increasing after training, it’s one of the best ways to start a stable and rewarding career in transport.
Pay & Benefits
During Training (first 4–6 weeks):
- £12.71 per hour
After Training:
- Up to 9 months service: £12.71/hour (day rate) • £13.60/hour (overtime)
- 9+ months service: £16.85/hour • £17.85/hour (overtime)*
*Overtime includes shifts during weekends, bank holidays, and nights.
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Key Benefits:
- Fully funded training (4 weeks at Luton depot, then Harlow depot) followed by on-the-job mentorship.
- Overtime opportunities with premium pay.
- Ongoing Driver CPC training to maintain licence requirements.
- Diverse career progression (into management, training, or specialised roles).
- Service-focused company that values high standards of safety, reliability, and inclusive support.
Working Hours & Conditions
- Shift pattern: 5 days on, 2 days off (rotating) with shifts starting shifts earlier in the week, typically from 04:00 (morning), 12:00 (afternoon), or 18:00 (evening).
- Fares are publised 6–8 weeks in advance for consistency.
- No fixed start/end times offered separately; shifts may vary between early mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
- Overtime & bank holiday work available with premium pay.
- Dependable schedule ensures stability, while the flexibility of bus routes allows for varied and interesting work across Epping, Harlow, and Greater London.
(Events and exact routes may vary based on operational needs.)
Requirements
Essential:
- Aged over 18.
- Must hold a valid UK driving licence (minimum 6 months driving experience).
- No more than 6 penalty points on your licence.
- Willingness to undertake a drug and alcohol test before training assessment.
- Ability to pass an English comprehension test (essential for safe communication with passengers).
Highly desirable:
- Strong people-facing skills (helpful but no cross-council experience required).
- Flexibility to adapt to early starts (from 06:00) and varying routines.
- Positivity and eagerness to learn in a team-orientated environment.
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Benefits Package
- Internal discounts through the Arriva Village, including deals on shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Employee assistance programme for health and welfare.
- Free bus travel (for yourself and your household members**).
- Workplace pension scheme (with employer contributions).
- Career progression with opportunities for promotion and development.
- Long service awards to recognise years of service.
- 20 days’ holiday + bank holidays (decreasing pro-rata for part-time staff).
About the Company
Arriva is a global leader in passenger transport, connecting over 1.6 billion people annually across 11 countries through bus, train, coaches, and broader mobility solutions.
Our focus on safety, sustainability, and community connection is at the heart of everything we do.
The UK Bus division, where this role is based, operates primarily out of London and the surrounding regions, offering long-term career paths in Harlow, Epping, and beyond.
Currently, we’re seeking caring, reliable candidates who share our commitment to putting the community first.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Arriva, we champion diverse experience and attitudes as fundamental contributors to success. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is valued.
If you’re looking for a meaningful, well-supported career that allows you to give back to your community—apply today and help us build safer, more connected transport for everyone!
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