Friendly employees, very under staffed/funded - Bus Driver First Student Employee Review

3.0
Mar 15, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Like most school bus operations, they will train you to get your CDL in about a month. You will earn near minimum wage during training and they pay your DMV fees. Training staff is often pulled from Belvidere, and seems first rate. There are a couple trainers in Rockton who are just terrible, and this is from a certified trainer’s perspective. Most of the routes have well behaved students, and most coworkers are nice, so it’s not a bad place to work for a part time/split shift job.

Cons

The Rockton, IL location operates as a satellite branch of the much larger Belvidere, IL First Student bus operation. The Rockton location handles bus transport for all public schools in Roscoe, Rockton, Shirland, and South Beloit, as well as for hire charter trips. The great majority of folks here are extremely pleasant. It is very much a shoe string operation, always undermanned and underfunded. The building and outdoor bus lot really shows its age and lack if upkeep. Office employees (all employees have their CDL) frequently are pulled off their desk to drive unfilled routes. Pay is just $13.00/hour (20 hour min week guaranteed) and it seems they have a rough time keeping staff.

Explore other reviews about First Student

5.0
May 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I loved the people I worked with

Cons

Not very much career growith

5.0
Jul 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

As a school bus driver, I've had a positive experience working for First Student in San Jose. The workplace culture is collaborative and supportive, with strong communication between staff and management. My colleagues are dedicated and professional, and the management team has been consistently helpful in addressing any needs or concerns. I would recommend this location to prospective employees seeking a cohesive and respectful work environment.

Cons

No cons about working here

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