Trainee Bus Driver London, England
Job description
**This vacancy is for NON PCV licence holders ONLY**
Who are we
Go-Ahead London is the leading operator and largest provider of bus passenger travel in London operating routes on behalf of TFL. We employ over 6,000 drivers operating approximately 2,300 buses, from our 17 depots in South, North and East London.
We are offering excellent rates of pay with annual service-related increases. Starting salaries £30,000 per annum for drivers starting on our entry grade rising to over £40,000 per annum (excluding overtime). Annual grade changes up to 5 years (which is our top rate of pay).
About you and the role of an Apprentice Bus Driver
You are applying for the role of Apprentice Bus Driver for Go-Ahead. Applying for the position of an Apprentice Bus Driver could be the start of a journey within an industry that grows its business by encouraging and developing those who see this as a genuine career opportunity.
You will be enrolled on to our apprenticeship programme which is called “Passenger Transport Driver - Bus, Coach & Tram (Level 2)". The apprenticeship programme lasts for 53 weeks, during which time you will receive additional training over and above the initial licence acquisition training to pass the PCV tests. Once you have successfully completed the apprenticeship programme you will gain a nationally recognised qualification which is equivalent to 5 good GCSE's.
This is a full time, permanent position. As buses run 7 days a week, 364 days a year, your work pattern will reflect that. You will be required to work the full range of shifts which will include early mornings, late finishes, working weekends and public holidays. This is also the case when you are in training.
This is a customer facing role where you will be expected to answer customer queries, make announcements over the public address system fitted to our vehicles and deal with a variety of situations as part of you day-to-day. It is therefore essential that our drivers can communicate effectively and deal with people in a tactful, confident, and professional manner.
As an Apprentice Bus Driver, you will need to be numerate and literate; applicants will need to demonstrate these skills by passing a Level 1 functional skills assessment as part of the initial recruitment process.
Employee Benefits / What we offer
- Professional training (with pay) to pass the PCV theory and practical tests
- Ongoing professional development
- Excellent rates of pay with service-related increases (up to £40,000 per annum depending on location)
- Overtime, when available, paid at enhanced rates
- Opportunity to gain a nationally recognised industry qualification
- Travel benefits for you and your partner* on London's Buses, London Underground, Overground, DLR and Tramlink. (*after three months service)
- Discounts on customer products: Some of our customers generously offer Go-Ahead London colleagues discount on their products and services such as Currys, Apple, Costa and more through our GALtastic Savings scheme.
- Contributory pension scheme
- As an Apprentice Bus Driver, you can apply for a NUS Apprenticeship extra discount card (at just £11 for 12 months) entitling you to discounts in-store and online
- £500 bonus payment on successful completion of your apprenticeship programme
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - Go-Ahead London is partnered with Life & Progress to help support employees through work and personal struggles with a 24/7 service. More on EAP can be found here: https://youtu.be/nV2LBV8yg-8
Responsibilities
- Ensuring the safety and comfort of your passengers at all times
- Engage with our customers in a tactful and professional manner including answering any journey queries
- Keeping our customers informed/updated by making announcements using the public address system fitted to our vehicles
- Ensuring that your bus is fit for service at the start of your duty
- Maintaining the schedule on the route
- Comply with company rules and regulations
Qualifications
- UK driving licence (category B) held for a minimum of 6 months
- No more than 6 Penalty points on your licence (contact us before applying if you have had a Drink/Drive conviction)
- Able to meet the DVLA medical standards to hold a PCV (category D entitlement) licence
- Numerate and literate and able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- The right to live/work in the United Kingdom
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £30,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
