Job description
Being a bus driver is a job with real purpose, and days are never the same as you’re out and about driving around the region. Our drivers help people to get out and about whether that’s to work or school, a night out or a trip to the shops or doctors, so it’s a really important job and our garages are real communities in their own right with a real team spirit.
Being a bus driver is a job with real purpose, and days are never the same as you’re out and about driving around the region. Our drivers help people to get out and about whether that’s to work or school, a night out or a trip to the shops or doctors, so it’s a really important job and our garages are real communities in their own right with a real team spirit.
What will I earn?
The company has recently increased its pay rates to new and existing bus drivers; with new drivers earning £11 per hour following a short training period, rising to £12.83 per hour after a year in the job.
Existing bus driver licence holders joining the company will earn £12.83 per hour (£26,000) straight away.
This takes the basic annual wage for Go North East bus drivers on a guaranteed 39 hour week to £22,308 in the first year and £26,019 after year one (or straight away for existing licence holders) with regular opportunities to earn overtime each week on top of this.
Overtime is also regularly available if you'd like to boost your earnings - it's not uncommon for drivers to earn around £35,000 a year!
Where will I be based?
Almost 2,000 people work at the company, driving and maintaining its fleet of 500 buses at garages across the region in Gateshead, Sunderland, Washington, North Tyneside, Hexham and Consett. We have ongoing vacancies at most locations and you can request which location you'd like to work at and we will try and accommodate or offer you the nearest location of your choice.
Other benefits…
Other benefits include free travel for drivers and discounted travel for their immediate families, sick pay, pension, and other benefits such as high street, shopping and holiday discounts via the company’s colleague benefit scheme.
There are even early morning and late-night colleague shuttle buses to get people to/from work before normal buses are running.
Training is paid for by Go North East, and its driver academy will help and support people through their bus driving test which is held at the company’s depot in Gateshead. The company also provides a uniform and footwear as well as providing ongoing professional competence and refresher training.
Do I need to have a bus driving licence to apply?
No previous bus driving experience is required to become a bus driver, thanks to our award-winning in-house Training Academy, where full training is provided free of charge. All we ask is that you have a minimum 6 months' driving experience.
We'll teach you how to drive a bus, put you through your bus driving test, whilst also covering accessibility and customer services training. Ongoing training will also be provided.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Salary: £11.00-£12.83 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free or subsidised travel
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 12 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Overtime
- Weekend availability
Work Location: One location
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £11.00-£12.83 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free or subsidised travel
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
- Store discount
- Wellness programme
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 12 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Overtime
- Weekend availability
Application question(s):
- Do you currently have more than 6 points on your driving licence
- Have you been disqualified from driving in the last 5 years
- Have you previously worked for Go North East
- Do you hold a manual car, provisional category D or category D licence? (Please specify)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence issued in the UK (required)
Work Location: One location
Reference ID: DEPT11/22