First Student reviews

3.7

68% would recommend to a friend

(120 total reviews)

John Kenning

73% approve of CEO

64% positive business outlook

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120 reviews

Reviews about "Culture"

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3.0
Sep 23, 2016

Management issues

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Steady workload was consistent and department was very family oriented. Employees we're crossed trained and effective. In addition, company was generous during holidays.

Cons

Management was not very professional, which led to turnover within the department. Supervisor was unprofessional with gossiping and keeping confusion within the department. Manager was extremely aggressive with female employees.

3.0
Jul 19, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

* NO INTERVIEW! Pass the background, drug, and medical requirements. Then ... * Paid training toward CDL-B (Commercial Driver License, Class B). * Pay is OK for what it is. Good for "extra earnings" or "back-stop" job. * There's always work. Can be full-time by adding charter routes, becoming a trainer, etc. * Independence. Nobody can micromanage you on the road. * Psychologically rewarding if you like kids.

Cons

* No benefits. But, that may change in a year or two. * Good people, but not brightest managers. They'll make errors calculating your pay hours, or forget to communicate. * Rough hours. Must get up pretty early in the morning. Split shift. * Safety requires very regimented rote memorization and drills. Not easy for some people. * Union shop. Dues don't seem well spent.

4.0
May 13, 2016

Great Part-Time Income

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This is a great part-time job for someone who is just wanting extra income. The schedule is unique, so it won't work for everyone. People who are university students, stay-at-home moms, retirees, or between jobs tend to find this job suitable. A few things you must know: 1. You have got to have a good driving record. 2. Must pass background check. 3. Must pass drug test and random drug tests. 4. You will be working under union rules. 5. Would be helpful if you like kids. 6. You have to be good at commanding respect. You have up to 71 kids to keep under control while you're busy driving a bus. 7. This is largely a fun job that has its occasional un-fun days. 8. You have to get a Class B CDL with Passenger and School Bus endorsements. 9. Training is provided free, but it is on your own time (unpaid). 10. Management here is friendly and courteous. Always willing to answer questions without being condescending. Most everyone, including other drivers, are kind and helpful if you ever have questions. There is a "ride-along" program for parents who are drivers. Their children may ride the bus with them. This is a great thing which saves daycare expense. A lot of routes have 15-25 minutes layover between them. This is paid time that many drivers enjoy just reading or socializing over coffee at McDonald's.

Cons

The training on one hand is very, very thorough (like learning to drive the bus and inspect it for safe operating condition), but the rest of the training is really lacking. You have to ask questions about everything, and expect that no one told you about some things. Some of the other drivers are rude to their coworkers for some reason, like won't greet or speak to others in the driver's lounge. The job requires working a split shift every day. So, you're working (for instance) 2-3 hours at 6:30 a.m. then you have a few hours off, then are back for 2-3 hours at 2:00 p.m.

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