Area Training Manager

Area Training Manager

Location

Hybrid – Supporting Multiple Locations Throughout Connecticut

Salary

Join North America’s largest school transportation provider.

• At First Student, we safely transport more than
• 5 million students every school day and serve over

1,250 school districts across the U. S. and Canada. Behind every successful operation is a team committed to safety, excellence, and developing the next generation of transportation professionals.

• We’re seeking an experienced
• Area Training Manager to support multiple First Student locations throughout

Connecticut . This is a hybrid leadership position that combines remote administrative responsibilities with regular travel to locations across the region to support trainers, partner with operational leadership, and ensure our training programs are delivered consistently and effectively.

If you’re passionate about developing people, leading training teams, and driving operational excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join First Student?

Competitive Salary

• Hybrid work environment
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Perk Spot employee discount program
• Tremendous career advancement opportunities across more than
• 540 locations throughout the U. S. and Canada
• Positive, collaborative, safety-first culture focused on employee development and operational excellence

About the Role

The

Area Training Manager is responsible for leading and executing driver training programs across multiple First Student locations throughout

Connecticut .

This role partners closely with Operations, Safety, Recruiting, and Customer Experience teams to ensure training is delivered consistently, regulatory requirements are met, and candidates receive an outstanding onboarding experience.

You’ll directly supervise full-time and part-time trainers, coordinate training schedules across the area, monitor compliance, support safety initiatives, and help drive successful candidate onboarding from hire through qualification.

This position requires travel throughout Connecticut (up to 50%) to support training operations, conduct site visits, coach trainers, and partner with location leadership.

When not traveling, you’ll work in a hybrid capacity completing administrative responsibilities, planning training activities, reviewing compliance, and supporting operational needs.

• Training Program Management
• Execute company training programs across multiple locations, ensuring consistency with company standards and operating procedures.
• Partner with Location Managers to facilitate efficient and effective new hire and ongoing training programs.
• Support continuous improvement of training content and delivery methods.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality training throughout the assigned territory.
• Lead and Develop Trainers
• Directly supervise full-time and part-time trainers throughout the assigned area.
• Coordinate trainer schedules to ensure adequate coverage for all training activities.
• Conduct coaching sessions, performance evaluations, and ongoing development conversations.
• Ensure trainers maintain all required certifications and compliance requirements.
• Balance trainer workloads while partnering with locations to effectively manage labor budgets.
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and developing new trainers as needed.
• Candidate Engagement & Onboarding
• Partner closely with Customer Experience Specialists to provide an outstanding onboarding experience.
• Monitor candidate progress from hire through successful completion of training.
• Ensure candidates receive clear, timely communication regarding schedules, expectations, and next steps.
• Help improve candidate throughput and overall training completion rates.
• Operations & Safety Partnership
• Collaborate with Operations and Safety leadership to align training with operational goals and safety initiatives.
• Support local safety training and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary training resource for Location Managers throughout the assigned territory.
• Provide hands‑on support during peak training periods or trainer absences when necessary.
• Compliance & Documentation
• Ensure all training activities comply with federal, state, local, and company regulations.
• Maintain accurate training documentation and records.
• Serve as the primary administrator for all training documentation and compliance.
• Ensure all FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) requirements are accurately entered and maintained.
• Monitor trainer and trainee compliance.
• Prepare reports on training activity, trainer performance, compliance metrics, and candidate progression while using data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Training Excellence & Quality Control
• Observe training sessions and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to trainers.
• Partner with the Region Training Manager to continuously improve training content and delivery methods.
• Address training concerns and implement solutions to maintain consistent, high‑quality instruction.
• Ensure company training standards are consistently executed across every location.
• Resource Planning
• Ensure appropriate trainer staffing levels across all assigned locations.
• Allocate training resources based on business needs and hiring demands.
• Assist with recruiting and onboarding additional trainers as operational needs evolve.
• Hands‑On Training Support
• Provide direct training support when needed during high‑volume periods or trainer absences.
• Maintain an active presence throughout the assigned territory by conducting regular site visits.
• Build strong working relationships with trainers, trainees, and operational leadership.
• Additional Responsibilities
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of First Student’s operational and training objectives.
• Minimum Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum

3 years of management experience , preferably in training or a related field.

• Minimum

3 years of experience in transportation, safety, or training operations.

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local transportation and training regulations.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
• Experience with learning management systems or training management software preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven organizational and time management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to travel up to 50% throughout Connecticut.
• What Makes You Successful
• Leads by example and promotes a strong safety culture.
• Enjoys coaching, mentoring, and developing others.
• Builds strong partnerships with Operations, Safety, Recruiting, and Training teams.
• Thrives in a collaborative, multi‑location environment.
• Is highly organized and detail‑oriented.
• Maintains a strong commitment to compliance and continuous improvement.
• Can balance strategic planning with hands‑on execution.
• Brings a positive, customer‑focused mindset to every interaction.

Why First Student?

Training is one of the most important investments we make in our employees, and our Area Training Managers play a critical role in developing safe, confident, and successful team members across our organization.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to influence training strategy across multiple Connecticut locations while helping employees build rewarding careers in student transportation.

You’ll work alongside dedicated Operations, Safety, and Recruiting professionals who share a common commitment to safety, service, and continuous improvement.

If you’re passionate about leadership, coaching, compliance, and helping others succeed, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a lasting impact while advancing your own career.

First Student is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants.

We strive to build and retain a diverse workforce where all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

First Student is also committed to providing a drug‑free workplace.

This position may require travel throughout Connecticut and may be subject to pre‑employment screenings consistent with company policy and applicable regulations.

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