Apprentice/Trainee Bus Driver - River Road Garage

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Job description

**This vacancy is for NON PCV licence holders ONLY**Go-Ahead London is the largest bus company in the capital, operating routes on behalf of TfL. We employ over 6,000 drivers operating approximately 2300 buses, from our 17 depots in South, North and East London.Our workforce rightly reflects the communities we serve, however, we are keen to increase the number of female drivers, as we feel they are underepresented.We are offering excellent rates of pay with service related increases. Starting salaries of £500 per week (£26,000 per annum for drivers starting on our entry grade) rising to over £31,000 per annum.Whilst in training, you will be paid at the London Living Wage of £10.85 per hour.About you and the role of an Apprentice Bus DriverYou are applying for the role of Apprentice Bus Driver for Go-Ahead London - the leading operator and largest provider of bus passenger travel in London. 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 (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 successfuly completed the apprenticeship programme you will gain a nationally recognised qualification which is equivalent to 5 good GCSE's.To be considered for one of our Bus Driver Apprentice positions, you must have held a full UK driving licence for a minimum of ONE year (subject to meeting certain criteria) and be prepared to work shifts. 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 starting early in the mornings and finisihing late in the evenings; this will include working weekends and public holidays as required. This is also the case when you are in training. This is a full time, permanent position.This is a customer facing role requiring you to deal directly with our customers, route control colleagues and a variety of other people in the course of your working day. You will be expected to answer customer queries, make announcements over the public address system fitted tro our vehicles and deal with a variety of situations as part of day to day life as a bus driver. It is therefore essential that our drivers are able to 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 those skills by passing a Level 1 functional skills assessment as part of the initial recuitment process.Please note, we have no car parking at our garages, so applicants must be able to demonstrate their ability to commute by public transport to their requested location, bearing in mind that the job involves working shifts when public transport can be limited or non-existent at certain times of the day. Please note, we do not always have vacancies at all locations all of the time. We may allocate you to a garage that is not your preferred choice; in such cases we will take account of your residential location and, where possible, allocate you to the next nearest garage with vacancies.Go-Ahead London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.Employee Benefits / What we offerProfessional training (with pay) to pass the PCV theory and practical testsOngoing professional developmentExcellent rates of pay with service related increases. Average earnings on completion of licence acquisition training of approximatekly £500 per week (£26,000 per annum)Overtime, when available, paid at enhanced ratesOpportunity to gain a nationally recognised industry qualificationConcessionary 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: We are fortunate to work with some fantastic brands and inspiring businesses. Some of our customers generously offer Go-Ahead London colleagues discount on their products and services such as Currys, Apple, M&S, Costa and more through our GALtastic Savings scheme.Contributory pension schemeUniformAs 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 programmeEmployee Assistance Programme (EAP) - Go-Ahead London is partnered with Life & Progress to help support employees through any life or work struggles. Available 24/7, employees have access via an online portal, phone call or mobile app, including access to confidential one-to-one counsellingMore info can be found here: safety and comfort of your passengers is paramount at all timesEngage with our customers in a tactful and professional manner including answering any questions they may have about their journeyKeeping our customers informed/updated by making announcements using the public address system fitted to our vehiclesEnsuring that your bus is fit for service at the start of your dutyEnsuring that passengers have the correct means to pay for their journeyMaintaining the schedule on the routeComply with company rules and regulationsUK driving licence (category B) held for a minimum of ONE yearNo 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) licenceNumerate and literate and able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writingThe right to live/work in the United KingdomUK driving licence (category B) held for a minimum of ONE yearNo 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) licenceNumerate and literate and able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writingThe right to live/work in the United KingdomThe safety and comfort of your passengers is paramount at all timesEngage with our customers in a tactful and professional manner including answering any questions they may have about their journeyKeeping our customers informed/updated by making announcements using the public address system fitted to our vehiclesEnsuring that your bus is fit for service at the start of your dutyEnsuring that passengers have the correct means to pay for their journeyMaintaining the schedule on the routeComply with company rules and regulations