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3.2
33 ratings
3.4
Salary & Benefits
1.8
Professional growth
3.7
Work-Life balance
3.5
Recognition & Support
3.5
Culture & Values
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Based in Cincinnati, Ohio First Student is a provider of student transportation solutions to school districts across North America.  First Student With a staff of 50,500 personnel and a fleet of 44,000 vehicles,  finish five million student tours every day, transporting more students than all U.S. airlines together. The corporation runs about 44,000 buses in 39 U.S. states plus 7 Canadian provinces/territories. First Student is the first school bus company to include Zonar, a digital fleet management software system, into its fleet. The organization fosters a welcoming work environment for all employees and is committed to a multicultural workforce where members of the team are treated with respect.

Subsidiary
$5B to $10B
Large
Multiple locations
Rail Transportation Companies, Truck Transportation Companies, Ground Passenger Transportation Companies
1999
Linda Burtwistle
What departments First Student employees work at?
DepartmentsRatio
Bus Drivers52.4%
other occupation20.6%
Truck Drivers12.5%
Management - Other7.8%
Transportation / Logistics - Other4.2%
General and Operations Managers2.5%
You comment as

Team

Professional experience

How many years of experience do First Student employees have before joining?
Years of experience at First Student: Newcomers: 22%, Experiencers: 14%, Experts: 21%, Veterans: 43%. First Student employees have 8+ years experience on average before joining.
You comment as
Where did First Student employees work before joining?
Where they've worked before First Student: AT&T, Durham School Services, FirstGroup America. Typical First Student employees have worked at AT&T.
You comment as
AT&T
Durham School Services
FirstGroup America
What industries did First Student employees work in previously?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of First Student: Truck Transportation Companies, Niche Retailers, Rail Transportation Companies, Ground Passenger Transportation Companies, Niche Education. First Student employees most likely come from a Truck Transportation Companies industry background.
You comment as
Where did First Student employees work before joining?
Past employers' size at First Student: Small: 32%, Medium: 11%, Large: 57%. Most First Student employees have previously worked at large companies.
You comment as

Educational background

What did employees at First Student study?
You comment as
Where did employees at First Student study?
College of DuPage
DeVry University-Arizona
You comment as

Employee data

How long do people stay in a role at First Student?
Time employed at First Student: <1: 4%, 1-3: 16%, 4-8: 38%, 9-13: 22%, 14-20: 12%, 20+: 8%. Most First Student employees stay with the company for 4-8 years which is the same as the industry average.
You comment as
How does First Student rank for age & gender diversity?
Gender ratio at First Student: 55.4% Male and 44.6% Female. Age ratio at First Student: 16-20: 0%, 21-30: 30%, 31-40: 22%, 41-50: 19%, 51-60: 20%, 60+: 9%. First Student rates - 14.6% more female than the industry average. Most First Student employees are 21-30, which is below the industry median age range.
You comment as
What are the top roles at First Student?
Top roles of First Student: School Bus Driver, Bus Driver, Driver, Location Manager, Bus Monitor. The top role at First Student is School Bus Driver.
You comment as
School Bus Driver
Bus Driver
Driver
Location Manager
Bus Monitor

Career advancement

How does First Student rank for career advancement?
Career advancement at First Student: very low. First Student ranks very low for career advancement which is below the industry average.
You comment as
What companies do First Student employees go on to work at?
Future employers of First Student: Durham School Services, FedEx, First Transit, FirstGroup America, Illinois Central School Bus. People who work at First Student most typically go on to work for the Durham School Services.
You comment as
Durham School Services
FedEx
First Transit
FirstGroup America
Illinois Central School Bus

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Discussion about First Student

Want to know more about First Student?
Share your thoughts and ideas about First Student with others in our community.
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When was First Student established?
avatar-of-creator
Sophie Hayes4 years ago
1999.
You comment as
What industry is First Student in?
avatar-of-creator
Liam Brown4 years ago
they’re in Transportation/Logistics.
You comment as
What’s the gender distribution at First Student?
avatar-of-creator
Benjamin Gardner4 years ago
44.6% female, 55.4% male.
You comment as
Where is First Student’s HQ?
avatar-of-creator
Benjamin Gardner4 years ago
Cincinnati, OH.
You comment as
What’s First Student’s yearly revenue?
avatar-of-creator
Sophie Hayes4 years ago
$5b to $10b
You comment as
What’s the name of First Student’s CEO?
avatar-of-creator
Isabella Holmes4 years ago
Linda Burtwistle.
You comment as
How long do people usually work for First Student?
avatar-of-creator
Isabella Holmes4 years ago
4-8 year(s).
You comment as
what kind of companies did First Student employees work for?
avatar-of-creator
Benjamin Gardner4 years ago
Large companies before First Student.
You comment as
How often do employees get promoted at First Student ?
avatar-of-creator
Isabella Holmes4 years ago
advancement opportunities are very low
You comment as
Top future employers of First Student employees?
avatar-of-creator
Sophie Hayes4 years ago
Durham School Services, FedEx, FirstGroup America, First Transit, Illinois Central School Bus, Self Employed, Student Transportation Inc., Student Transportation of America.
You comment as
Where did employees work before joining First Student?
avatar-of-creator
Liam Brown4 years ago
AT&T, Durham School Services, FirstGroup America, Laidlaw, UPS, US Army, Walgreens, Walmart.
You comment as
What’s the average age at First Student?
avatar-of-creator
Liam Brown4 years ago
21-30.
You comment as
Where did most of First Student employees go to school?
avatar-of-creator
Liam Brown4 years ago
College of DuPage, DeVry University-Arizona, ITT Technical Institute, Monroe Community College, University of Phoenix-Utah.
You comment as
Where were you before joining First Student?
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
i was a finish carpenter self employee .
avatar-of-creator
Driver bus7 months ago
I'm actually driver bus so I have more than 12 years of experience
You comment as
i have a few piercings and would hate if i have to take them out going into work everday please say i wont hve 2 do tht ughh
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
as long as its not excessive its okay😊
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
a few piercing never harmed anybody😅
You comment as
heard covid vaccination is a requirement to get hired here not sure tho.....
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
its not required :)
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
not a requirement but its best for u and others that u r vaccinated
You comment as
i applied a week ago and still havent heard back for an interview should i be worried😢
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
It was about a week before I received a Call so dww!!
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
for me it took 2 weeks
You comment as
marijuana is legal now so they must not test for it anymore right?
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
unfortunately they do test for it 😬
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
they are still testing for Marijuana but it might change in the next few months
You comment as
heardd the training here is paid PLS SAY THATS TRUE 😔
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
IT IS PAID!!!
You comment as
Do they raise salary?
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
Every year 🙂
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
You'll get a raise every year
You comment as
What are the average working hours?
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
I was doing 20-30+ hours per week as a rookie driver.
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
drivers are guaranteed 20 hours per week minimum. There are more hours available if you go for them
You comment as
hoping they have a good promotion process wld hate being stuck in the same place at work 😣
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
the promotion process is fair altho they do required u have worked for at least a year before asking for a promotion
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
Lots of growth if you are looking to move up😊
You comment as
do they offer employee transportation? I dont think they do but i really wanna make sure
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
You need your own transportation to the bus yard
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
no transportation unfortunately :(
You comment as
What is interview process like?
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
Smooth and acquiring some knowledge of school bus driving is key to having a successful interview
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
The application and hiring process is easy 🙂
You comment as
How long do I have to work for First Student before I can leave without paying a penalty?
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
theres no time requirement as far as ik!!
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
i left only after a few months didnt have to pay a penalty :)
You comment as
i dont really like really small kids so was wondering as a driver can i choose which grade students i get to drive?
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
the longer you have worked there the better routes you can get and have more freedom of choice :)
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
i think u only get to pick routes
You comment as
Can I get my CDL b here and take it somewhere else after? hope i wont get penalized I’m in SC
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
u can do that u wont be penalized
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
some of my co workers have done that but personaly i m not in favour of it😬
You comment as
having good benefits is so nice not sure if i ll have them here
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
Great options for 401K, HSA, and other benefits here!!
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
All training is paid for by the company and they also pay for your license, fingerprints, medical certificate, cpr/first aid and anything needed to get you class b license which is just the biggest benefit in my opinion😃
You comment as
pls tell me they handle drivers who hvae disabilities properly
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
There are attendants and monitors that can assist :)
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
the driver (depending on disability) cannot be a driver. But can be an attendant or monitor. It depends on the situation
You comment as
heard they dont offer training for a bus monitor i know i will be so confused without training so i am really worried
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
basic training is given you will be finee!! 😄
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
good behaviour and communication training is given which is rlly helpful!!
You comment as
i have a misdemeanor on my record pls tell me that wont cause problems in me getting hired here 😢
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
Best to have your record expunged in my opinion 😊
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
if it was long ago then it isnt a problem if it was recent then it might be
You comment as
i dont have a cdl and i am so worried that i wont be able to afford getting one
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
yesss this company pays for drivers cdl :D
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
u get ur cdl for free at first student which is rlly rlly nice!!
You comment as
I had one accident over 2 years ago. Other than that I have a clean driving record but i m really worried i wont get hired cuz of it
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
Depends on Accident, minor or major. Some major accidents disqualify drivers
You comment as
Do they pay for training?
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
I am training right now and We are being paid minimum wage
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
Yes, when you get your license and start working.
You comment as
wondering if they have a work from home policy here
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
for managers its different i think they can i as a monitor obviously couldnt work from home
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
drivers cant work from home either for obvious rsns LOL
You comment as
I know they've recently upgraded the pay but still it's not competitive, however I like this company 😊 working with kids and my fellow drivers are amazing
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
Variety of work hours, the pay is fine 😊
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
Easy going work environment, fair pay as a school bus monitor
You comment as
heard they have a uniform here wondering what thats like
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
no uniform requirement for me here
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
i had to wear a safety vest and closed shoes!
You comment as
so confused about the interview process😐
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
It was a 3 stages of interview from qualifying resume to zoom interview. And they asked me if I have questions for them and I asked about the company's promotion requirements and how much the pay
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
The interview process was easy and professional. I liked it
You comment as
really hoping the health benefits are good hereee
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
great coverage here i really loved it!!
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
the health benefits here have always came in handy for me! 😊
You comment as
h8 stressful work hoping its not like tht here😯
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
if u like kids u shouldnt have much of a problem😄
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
i think how stressed u get depends on ur position as a bus driver my job wasnt stressful at all
You comment as
heard u get a bonus if u refer an employee pls tell me its trueee
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
it is offered now previously it wasnt
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
i was given a generous bonus cuz i referred a good employee!! 😄
You comment as
really confused about what the hiring process is here NEED HELPP🤕
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
simple hiring process. u get hired if u have a clean background and pass the drug test. If u dont have a cdl they wil help u get it and then give u work
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
u have ur interview. At some locations immediately after the interview u r asked to give a drug test and if u pass it they call u back 😊
You comment as
I really like their inclusive culture, Laid back environment. With people of all cultures and back grounds 😊
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
I didn't find it friendly but there wasn't much time spent in the facility.
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
This is superman's job 😜 as we all like to say! I like the diversity here that adds fun in the office, Good culture good vibe
You comment as
i heard they can pull ur cdl is that tru
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
yes they can you have a point system you have to be careful about. Just like any other job that you need a couple license
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
If they pay for your cdl/train you then you have to give them six months or they can pull your CD
You comment as
applying as a bus driver here but really worried about having to wake up so early in the morning ughh 😣
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
5 am is the starting time for the drivers but compensation is good so cant complain much 😄
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
As dispatcher I opened the office at 4:30, made coffee, got the rollouts together and awaited the arrival of the drivers who arrived at 5 am
You comment as
What are the requirements to get the job at First Student?
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
You should be experience with school age children. Friendly personality , ability to read and write English language
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
capable of passing CDL requirements for bus driving.
You comment as
pls tell me the health insurance is good here its so important
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
united healthcare is given its pretty good for this position in my opinion 😄
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
its a supplement insurance so it covers very little :(
You comment as
working for a company that has a clear mission and knows how to act upon it is so imp 2 me
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
the company is very safety conscious and never hires anyone they think might put the childrens lives at risk😄
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
they have a good important mission statement and clearly work to achieve it :D
You comment as
i have coloured hair pls tell me that wont be a problem
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
my hair were coloured too it wasnt a problem!
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
if the colour is not too over the top u should be finee
You comment as
HEARD THEY OFFER A REALLY GOOD DENTAL PLANNNN
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
dental isnurance here is through union!
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
It does over dental and health coverage at a reasonable rate which includes cleaning as well as dentures😄
You comment as
How's your day like as school vus driver? How many routes you take
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
It's quite easy if you're a driver!
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
Busy and stressful but rewarding, 4 routes in total
You comment as
wondering what requirements they have for hiring since i wanna apply here but not sure if i meet the criteria 😖
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
they look for student management skills too since that is what u will be dealing with😄
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
they require tht u have A will to work with children to be a monitor and a CDL class B (They will help you get it if you don't already)
You comment as
I've always been in a really good terms with the management as they helped me in every possible situation 🙂
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
The kids are the best part of the job. Management are very transparent and patient with their employees.
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
Yes, the management works well and the communication is clear among us
You comment as
flexible hrs would be such a blessing hope i get them here
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
They are very flexible, because you choose your routes
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
Very flexible. Just 2 hours in the morning and 2 in the afternoon :D
You comment as
need some help with interview qs i really wanna do well
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
i was asked to tell them abt myself and how i would deal with a difficult student
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
they just asked if i had any experience working with children before and other general qs
You comment as
heard they randomly drug test is that tru??
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
they only do random drug tests if they have suspicions 😬
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
i was drug tested randomly cuz a fellow employee accused me there are no random testes usually only one before you can be hired🙄
You comment as
heard its difficult to get a job here😬
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
if u are good at multi tasking u will get hired easily!!
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
u just have to meet the minimum age requirement and pass the background check to get hired not difficult :D
You comment as
i had my license suspended a few years back i am rlly worried that will come up in the background check they do here and i wont get hired 😢
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
the reason for the suspension might make a difference too!
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
just make sure u tell them the truth abt the situation in the interview i am sure they will understand 😄
You comment as
hope the dress code isnt too strict :(
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
we had one shirt we had to wear all times it was rlly comfortable tho
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
just wear anything appropriate
You comment as
not sure what the training here is like any help wld be gr8
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
training is good here . You can pass as quickly as you can learn 😊
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
the training is paid hereee!!! length of training can vary but its pretty simple overall
You comment as
someone told me remote work isnt an option here :(
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
yepp remote work is not allowed at first student 😬
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
You have to go by the shop at least once a day
You comment as
applying for the monitor position here but i am rlly scared tht it will be stressful and difficult ughh
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
some unruly students might make it stressful for u but for the most part its very chill
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
pretty stress free cuz most drivers assist with student management on a daily basis 😊
You comment as
do they have a drug test policy here??😬
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
Random and pre-employment drug testing are a requirement here
avatar-of-creator
A year ago
they do have a policy its DOT regulated