Five reasons to consider driving a school bus in Hamilton

In the midst of the job search, one very important job that often gets overlooked is driving a school bus. It’s an essential role that needs to be played in every community – including, of course, Hamilton, where First Student is now hiring for new bus drivers for the current school year.

First Student is just one of the divisions belonging to First, the largest passenger transportation company in North America with over 1,200 locations across the United States and Canada. First Student employs over 48,000 people across the U.S. and Canada and operates over 43,000 buses.

Applications are now open for numerous job listings in the Hamilton area, including school bus driver, mechanic, and more.

Here are five reasons to consider driving a school bus with First Student:

1. The job pays well and offers a sign-on bonus.

If you want a job that pays well and treats you well, driving a school bus might just be for you. First Student provides all the training you’ll need to drive the bus and get your bus-driving licence (referred to as a B-license). They offer a competitive wage of $19 per hour.  On top of that, they’re offering a $3,500 bonus for B-licensed drivers or $2,500 for new hires with an existing G-license.

2. First Student will make sure you’re fully prepared for every aspect of the job.

While operating a school bus might seem intimidating, First Student is dedicated to helping drivers succeed. They’ll make sure you’re well equipped for every aspect of the job, from driving the bus to performing inspections to relating to the students. With their DriverHub tablet technology you’ll get directions for your routes, insights into the bus’ mechanics, and real-time coaching, so you can drive with peace of mind.

3. A flexible schedule with lots of free time.

Parents who drive a bus are allowed to bring their young children along for the ride, and the time between morning and afternoon runs means you’ll have the freedom in your schedule to take care of errands, handle the grocery shopping, and make doctors’ appointments. Plus, your calendar is the same as the school’s calendar, and that means you get off all holidays and vacations.

4. You’ll drive a modern bus that prioritizes comfort and safety.

As an industry leader in transportation, you’ll also get the benefits that come with working with a company that’s focused on its future – and the future of its employees. First Student drivers operate modern buses that are built on innovation and safety, including air-cushioned driver seats that offer more support and greater comfort than traditional seats, automatic door-opening systems that keep you from wearing out your arm, computerized diagnostic tools that give you clarity into your bus’s mechanics, and an innovative mirror system that greatly increases drivers’ visibility. When you drive a First Student bus, you’ll feel in control.

5. Further opportunities to advance your career no matter where you want to do it.

The industry is fast moving and forever evolving, so there are always opportunities to advance within the company. The First America University programs give you continued on-the-job training that you can tailor to meet your needs and interests. And because First Student spans across North America, you can find opportunities across Canada from Montreal to Vancouver, letting you pursue your ambitions no matter where they take you.

First Student is dedicated to creating a more inclusive environment for both drivers and students of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. For them, it’s not just about driving a bus – it’s also about fostering relationships and being a proud member of the community, including our community in Hamilton.

For more information or to view all of their career opportunities and start your application, visit workatfirst.com or call their local Ancaster office at 905-522-3232.