Savanna Hoffman
First Student, Inc. is a company in the transportation industry with locations across the United States and Canada. They offer a range of positions, including School Bus Driver, School Bus Monitor, School Bus Mechanic, Dispatcher, Route Manager, Safety and Training Manager, and Administrative Assistant. First Student provides training for their employees, however, there are conflicting reports on whether this training is paid or not. Some sources indicate that employees are paid minimum wage during training, while others claim that training is unpaid, and individuals may even need to pay for certain licenses or tests themselves. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions before signing up for any training with First Student, as there may be hidden clauses, such as fees incurred if an employee leaves the company before a certain period.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paid training | Minimum wage |
| Free training | Yes |
| Training duration | 4-5 weeks |
| Training fee | $5,000 |
| Training for | Bus aides/monitors, fuelers/washers, call center positions, drivers, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
First Student provides free training but does not pay trainees
First Student, Inc. is a company that offers a variety of positions in the transportation industry, including school bus drivers, school bus monitors, and mechanics. They provide all the training needed for their employees to succeed, including additional health and safety training for drivers and staff. While First Student does provide free training, there are some conflicting reports on whether trainees are paid during this period.
Some sources indicate that First Student does not pay trainees for their training. One review mentions that training is not paid and that employees have to pay for their license to sit for the written test. Another review suggests that First Student pays only a minimum wage during training, which may not be sufficient to cover all expenses. Additionally, it is mentioned that First Student does not offer any educational or tuition assistance programs.
On the other hand, First Student offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, paid vacation days, and tuition reimbursement. The company also provides employee assistance programs, wellness programs, and training and development programs. According to reviews, employees appreciate the company's culture, career development opportunities, and benefits.
It is important to note that First Student includes a clause in its sign-up paperwork stating that if an employee quits or is fired before completing a year of service, they will be responsible for repaying the cost of their training, which could amount to $5,000. This has been a cause for concern among some employees who feel that the company does not adequately value its workforce.
Overall, while First Student provides free training, there is ambiguity regarding the payment during the training period. The company offers a range of benefits to its employees, but individuals should carefully review the terms and conditions before committing to any employment agreement.
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Trainees are paid minimum wage in Arizona
First Student, Inc. provides training to its employees to help them succeed in their roles. While the company does not pay for training-related expenses, it is not clear whether trainees are paid during the training period. According to reviews, some trainees are paid a minimum wage of $8 per hour during training, while others claim to be unpaid throughout the entire training process.
In Arizona, the minimum wage laws protect trainee employees. These laws state that employers cannot pay trainees a subminimum wage rate that is less than the standard minimum wage. The Arizona minimum wage in 2025 is $14.70 per hour outside of Flagstaff and Tucson. However, employers in Arizona are allowed to pay employees who earn tips a rate that is $3.00 per hour lower than the standard minimum wage, as long as the total earnings, including tips, are equal to or greater than the standard minimum wage.
In certain limited situations, Arizona's minimum wage laws allow employers to pay individuals with disabilities to perform work-related activities without compensation. These situations arise when the individuals engage in the work primarily for their benefit and not for the direct advantage of the employer.
It is important to note that some companies may have specific policies or programs that provide training allowances or compensation for their trainees. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the company's website, employee handbook, or human resources department for specific information regarding their training pay policies.
While First Student, Inc. does not explicitly state whether trainees are paid during training, it is likely that they abide by the Arizona minimum wage laws, which protect trainee employees by ensuring they receive at least the standard minimum wage.
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Trainees pay for their license and test fees
First Student, Inc. provides all the training you need to succeed in your role. The company is dedicated to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workforce where team members of all backgrounds can reach their full potential in a working environment that is inclusive to all.
However, according to some reviews, First Student does not pay for training or license fees. Trainees are responsible for paying their MVD fees and are unpaid during the entire training process, which can last 4-5 weeks. Once the trainee has obtained their CDL license, they will start receiving payment. Additionally, some reviews mention that if a trainee quits or is fired before completing a year of work, they will be charged a fee of around $5,000 for their training.
In other contexts, the payment of license and test fees can vary depending on the organization and the type of license or test involved. For example, in the case of driver training, additional school fees are typically required to obtain a license. On the other hand, veterans can use their VA education benefits to cover the costs of certain tests and preparatory courses related to licensing and certification.
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$14.95
First Student charges ex-employees who didn't work a year
First Student, Inc. offers on-the-job training to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit. While the company does provide the necessary training for its employees to succeed, there are some conflicting reports regarding the payment for this training. Some sources indicate that First Student offers free training, while others suggest that employees may need to pay certain fees out of pocket.
Indeed.com, a job site, mentions that First Student provides paid training at minimum wage for those seeking their CDL. However, another reviewer on the same platform claims that they are unpaid during the entire training process, which can last 4-5 weeks, and are responsible for covering their MVD fees. This discrepancy in information may be due to varying policies across different locations or changes in company policies over time.
Glassdoor, another job site, includes reviews from former employees regarding First Student's training policies. One review specifically mentions that if an employee quits or is fired before completing a year of service, they will be responsible for reimbursing the company for their training costs, which can amount to approximately $5,000. This clause is allegedly hidden within the paperwork during the onboarding process.
It is important to note that First Student has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 on Glassdoor, with 72% of employees recommending the company to others. The pros of working at First Student are commonly cited as culture, career development, and benefits, while the cons are mentioned as work-life balance and management. The company emphasizes its commitment to safety, team support, and creating an inclusive and diverse work environment.
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First Student offers comprehensive benefits, including training
First Student, Inc. offers a wide range of comprehensive benefits to its employees. The company provides training for its employees to ensure they have the tools, skills, and knowledge to succeed in their roles. Each division of the company offers training that is tailored to the specific needs of that division. This includes in-person, on-the-job, and site-based training, as well as self-directed learning plans through a comprehensive e-learning portal.
First Student also offers a Manager-In-Development (MID) Program, a 12-week fast-track leadership development program that prepares employees for leadership roles within the company. This program provides participants with a targeted curriculum, development materials, and support from a Program Manager, mentors, and the location leadership team.
In terms of other benefits, First Student offers retirement benefits, including 401(k) plans, pension plans, and other retirement savings options. The company also provides health insurance benefits to eligible employees. Additionally, First Student offers paid vacation days and flexible scheduling options for parents and students, including full-time, part-time, and drop-in choices.
First Student is dedicated to building and maintaining a culturally diverse and inclusive workforce. They have formed a Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Council to promote an environment that actively values diversity and advance inclusivity efforts. The company also engages in charitable initiatives and volunteer projects that are often employee-led.
However, it is important to note that some reviews from employees suggest that training is not paid for by the company. There are also mentions of hidden fees in the paperwork, stating that if an employee quits or is fired before completing a year of service, they will be charged for their training, which could amount to a significant fee.
While First Student does not offer educational or tuition assistance programs, they do provide a professional uniform program with a range of comfortable and reflective clothing options. They also have safety measures in place, such as enhanced vehicle cleanliness, protective barriers for drivers, compulsory face coverings, and additional health and safety training.
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Frequently asked questions
First Student provides all the training you need to succeed and offers paid vacation days, but employees have to pay for their license to sit for the written test. Employees in Arizona are paid minimum wage for training, but only after obtaining their CDL license.
Employees commonly mention the pros of working at First Student to be culture, career development, benefits, and flexible scheduling options. The cons are work-life balance and management.
First Student has put safety measures in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. These include enhanced vehicle cleanliness and disinfection protocols, protective barriers for drivers, compulsory face coverings, physical distancing, contactless payments, and additional health and safety training for drivers and staff.
