Area Training Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location: Hybrid - Supporting Multiple Locations Throughout Connecticut
Salary: $70,000 - $75,000 annually

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.

• Competitive Salary: $70,000 - $75,000 annually
• Hybrid work environment
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• PerkSpot 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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of First Student's operational and training objectives.

• 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, PowerPoint, 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.

We're looking for someone who:

• 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.

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.

Apply today and help shape the future of student transportation by developing the people who keep our communities moving safely every day.

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.

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.