Trainee Bus Driver

First Group; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A major transportation company in Keynsham seeks new bus drivers to join their team, offering full training with a pay of £14.50 per hour while training, rising to £17.00 per hour once qualified. This full-time role includes 38 hours per week with diverse shift patterns, including evenings and weekends. Candidates must be at least 18 years old with 6 months of driving experience. A benefits package is provided, including free bus travel for staff and family, discounts on trains, and a pension plan.

Benefits

First Xclusives Discount Scheme

Free Bus Travel

Discounted Train Travel

Free Onsite Parking

Generous Leave

Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years old with at least 6 months’ driving experience.
• No bus experience necessary; full training provided.
• Commitment to safety and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Provide crucial transport services to local communities.
• Complete training and gain hands-on experience.
• Adapt to various shift patterns.

Skills

Driving safely

Customer service

Adapting to shift patterns

Job description

New year, new opportunity.
Looking for a secure career with guaranteed pay progression? Join our brand new team in Keynsham and earn £14.50 per hour while training, rising to £17.00 per hour once qualified.

No bus experience needed, full training provided.

About the Role

Keynsham routes don't go live until April, but you don't have to wait to get started! Complete your training and get hands‑on experience at one of our West depots, including Bristol and Bath. It's a fantastic chance to build your skills, gain confidence, and hit the ground running when Keynsham launches.

Bus drivers are trusted professionals. You'll be providing a crucial service that customers value and rely on. Getting to work or school, important doctor's appointments. Bus drivers are key workers who keep everyday life moving for local communities.

Clear, guaranteed pay progression

As you complete training and gain experience, your pay increases automatically

• £14.50 per hour while training
• £15.93 per hour after training
• £17.00 per hour once fully qualified

These are full‑time, permanent roles, with 38 hours per week worked across a range of shift patterns, including mornings, evenings and weekends. Working a mix of shifts can mean weekday days off, and greater flexibility for work‑life balance.

Info for trainees

The minimum age is 18, with at least 6 months’ driving experience. Never driven a bus before? That's absolutely fine, our experienced instructors will support you every step of the way.

This role is a great fit for you if

• You enjoy helping people and staying calm under pressure
• You take pride in driving safely and being reliable
• Your adaptable to working a variety of shift patterns including morning, evenings and weekends

Benefits That Make a Difference

Alongside competitive pay, we offer a benefits package designed to support financial wellbeing, travel savings, and long-term security.

• First Xclusives Discount Scheme: Access to over 3,000 offers on high‑street and leisure brands for you and your family and friends.
• Free Bus Travel: Complimentary travel on our buses for you and your family.
• Discounted Train Travel: £6 all‑day train travel for you and your family on selected rail services.
• Free Onsite Parking: Enjoy free parking, plus options for a cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Generous Leave: Up to 5 weeks of paid holiday plus bank holidays.
• Pension Scheme: Participate in our pension plan with the option to purchase discounted FirstGroup shares.

Apply today and drive your career forward with First Bus.

All applicants will be subject to standard background checks as part of the recruitment.