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Arriva London graduate trainee experiences life at the sharp end

Nervous … “very nervous”. That’s how Nick Faichney felt before taking his first solo drive in service.

Graduate Nick said: “New drivers are trained and mentored really well at Arriva, but it’s completely different when you go out on your own for the first time.

“It’s easy to underestimate the job of a bus driver, but it’s one of the biggest challenges I’ve dealt with. Over and above the driving, which alone demands a high level of concentration, there are changing conditions on the road, instructions from controllers and, of course, passengers.

“There are people with disabilities, mums with baby buggies, people laden down with shopping, customers who give you £20 notes and expect change and in London there are lots of tourists who all have questions.”

Nick, who has been driving on Route 144 from Edmonton Green to Muswell Hill Broadway added: “I’m sure experienced drivers learn to take things in their stride, but they always have to be at the top of their game because there are so many demands on their attention all the time.”

Nick, who passed his PCV driving test first time, joined Arriva London in October last year with a place on the company’s graduate training scheme.

He gained a BA in geography at Liverpool University and with an interest in public transport applied to join Arriva because it offered the most comprehensive, all-round training.

“It was very different from most other graduate schemes because there were real hands-on opportunities,” said Nick. “If you’re looking at a management career it’s so important to have some idea of the challenges faced by people you hope to manage.”

Throughout his 18 months on the course, Nick will shadow jobs throughout Arriva London with possible placements to other operations, such as rail.

He will also be involved with special projects, among them assisting with the introduction of double-deckers on former bendy-bus services.

Published: Thu 31 Mar 2011Modified: Tue 29 Mar 2011Archived: Sat 30 Apr 2011

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