Trainee Driver
Ref: TD/ALL/8/26
Permanent / Full Time Mon-Fri min 40 hours
Starting time: AM/PM Shift
Base Location: All Depots
We are currently looking for full time Trainee Drivers to join our busy teams at our sites in Portadown, Belfast, Garvagh, Mallusk and Maydown. As a Trainee Driver you will enter into our Driver Training Program where you will work to achieve your C Licence, over approximately 13 months. As a Trainee Driver you will be required to complete multi drop deliveries and collections throughout NI, as well as collecting and moving commercial containers when required.
As AM shift Drivers, you will start at 05.30am based from your depot, Monday to Friday, with Saturdays required, on a rota basis.
As PM shift Drivers, you will start at 4.30pm based from the Belfast site, Monday to Friday, with Saturdays required, on a rota basis.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Ensure excellent customer service skills that support the RiverRidge Brand
- Ensure Health & Safety adherence at all times
- Working collaboratively with the transport team to ensure excellent operational service is maintained, and continually improved
- Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Undertake all necessary training, & cooperate with the security clearance process as required
- Any other duties as delegated by the Transport Department
- Adhere to the company Training Program in a timely manner to achieve your HGV licence and other relevant qualifications
Essential Criteria
- Full UK Driving Licence (Max of 6 penalty points)
- Minimum of 2 years driving experience
- Security Clearances
- Ability to undertake manual work
- Flexible approach to working hours is required in relation to finish times, weekends, and bank holidays
- Excellent customer service skills
- Team Player
- Good Communication skills (both verbal and written)
- Willingness and drive to learn and progress through the trainee program
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience working in the waste industry or customer facing roles
Training Agreement
- Successful candidates will enter into a training period which is expected to last 13 months
- Failure to pass each stage of the training agreement would result in the candidate failing the program
- Candidates will be required to pass an HGV Medical prior to beginning the program
* Any offer of employment will be subject to a successful HGV medical *
**Must be able to provide documentation to confirm your eligibility to work in the UK**
What we offer!
- Competitive Hourly Rate – Up to £15.50 during Training Period – Progressing to HGV Driver rate after successful completion of the program
- Annual Bonus scheme available
- Overtime rate of Time and a Half for hours worked over 43 hours Monday to Friday
- Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday – Time and a Half
- 28 days Annual leave (incl. of 8 Customary/Bank Holidays)
- Company pension scheme
- Employee Uniform
**Applicants who have been unsuccessful for this role within the past 6 months will not be considered**
How do you apply?
If you are interested in applying, please complete the Company Application form (available to download from our Company website or alternatively contact [email protected] and we will post out an application form to you)
Please return your completed application form via EMAIL to [email protected] or by POST to Recruitment, RiverRidge, 62-66 Duncrue Street, Belfast, BT3 9AR
No later than 5.00pm on Monday 31st August 2026
In the event of a large number of applications we reserve the right to enhance our selection criteria at the short-listing stage.
