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Work Student Jobs in Freeport, IL (NOW HIRING)

School Van Driver

Rockton, IL · On-site

$19 - $21.25/hr

Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues. • Community Impact: Be a trusted figure for students and families. • Employee Discount Program: Discounts on various products ...

School Bus Driver

Rockton, IL · On-site

$23 - $32/hr

Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues. • Community Impact: Be a trusted figure for students and families. • Employee Discount Program: Discounts on various products ...

Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues. About the Diesel Technician Position As a Diesel Technician with First Student, you will help maintain and repair school buses to ...

School Bus Monitor

Rockton, IL · On-site

$17 - $18.50/hr

... work environment Join First Student and get more than a paycheck. We offer perks and incentives designed to support you on and off the job, from early wage access and loyalty rewards to employee ...

Self-directed in daily work routine, remaining productive during work hours. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and ...

Self-directed in daily work routine, remaining productive during work hours. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and ...

Showing results 21-40

Work Student information

See Freeport, IL salary details

$7

$13

$15

How much do work student jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for work student in Freeport, IL is $13.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $14.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a work student?

A work student is a university or college student who takes on part-time employment, usually related to their field of study, while continuing their education. The position provides practical work experience, financial support, and an opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting. Work students often have flexible schedules to accommodate their classes and may work in companies, research institutions, or within their own university. This role is common in countries like Germany, where it's also known as 'Werkstudent.' The experience gained as a work student can enhance a resume and improve career prospects after graduation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a work student?

To succeed as a Working Student, you need strong organizational skills, academic proficiency relevant to your field of study, and the ability to balance work and coursework. Familiarity with productivity tools like Microsoft Office, project management software, or industry-specific platforms is often beneficial. Effective communication, adaptability, and a proactive attitude are valuable soft skills that help you integrate and contribute to workplace teams. These skills are crucial as they enable you to efficiently juggle responsibilities, gain practical experience, and develop professionally while pursuing your education.

How do work students typically balance on-the-job responsibilities with their academic commitments?

Work Students often face the challenge of managing their time effectively between work duties and academic coursework. Most employers offer flexible working hours or part-time schedules to accommodate class timetables and exam periods. Open communication with supervisors about deadlines and workload is key to maintaining a healthy balance. Many organizations also encourage Work Students to prioritize their studies, understanding that academic success benefits both the student and the employer in the long run.

What is the difference between Work Student vs Intern?

AspectWork StudentIntern
Required CredentialsEnrolled in a relevant educational programTypically students or recent graduates
Work EnvironmentPart-time, flexible hours during studiesFull-time or part-time, often project-based
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in universities, large companiesUsed across various industries, including corporate and non-profit
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for part-time student rolesSeeking internship opportunities for experience

Work Students are typically enrolled in educational programs and work part-time during their studies, focusing on gaining practical experience. Interns may be students or recent graduates working full-time or part-time to develop skills and industry knowledge. While both roles aim to provide learning opportunities, Work Students usually have flexible schedules aligned with their studies, whereas Interns often work more intensively for a set period.

What is the best job for a work student?

The best job for a work student typically involves roles that offer flexible hours, relevant experience, and skill development, such as internships, part-time positions in retail, hospitality, or administrative support. These roles help students gain practical skills while balancing academic commitments and often require basic communication and organizational skills.

What jobs do work students work?

Work students typically perform entry-level tasks such as administrative support, customer service, data entry, or basic technical duties. These roles often require limited experience and may involve working part-time or during school breaks, with supervision from experienced staff.

What cities near Freeport, IL are hiring for Work Student jobs?

Cities near Freeport, IL with the most Work Student job openings:

$19 - $21.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


First Student rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

First Student

Based on 321 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.2

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.2 out of 10

Education support services average

Based on 2,885 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at First Student

  • 89%

    89% of students say it’s good

    of students say it’s good

  • 88%

    88% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

  • 87%

    87% of parents and care-givers say it’s good

    of parents and care-givers say it’s good

Featured by First Student, based on 321 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Now Hiring Part Time School Van Drivers for Rockton, IL
#startup
Sign-On Bonus: $1000*
As a Part Time School Van Driver, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of students. You will start students' days with morning pickup before school and transport them safely back home in the afternoon. Additional hours for field trip and special event transportation may be available.
No experience is necessary to become a van driver! We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school van driver.
School Van Driver benefits:
• Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications
• Hourly Rate: $19.00 - $21.25 per hour
• Training Rate: $17.00
• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurance or coverage options
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match.
• Part-time, flexible schedule: Split shifts (AM/PM routes).
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles in over 540 locations across the U.S. & Canada!
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues.
• Community Impact: Be a trusted figure for students and families.
• Employee Discount Program: Discounts on various products and services.
• Guaranteed Minimum Hours: Get paid for 4 hours per day at minimum.
• Child Ride-Along Program: Perfect for working parents.
• Safety or Attendance bonuses**
Join First Student and get more than a paycheck. We offer perks and incentives designed to support you on and off the job, from early wage access and loyalty rewards to employee discounts, recognition programs, growth opportunities, and appreciation events. If you're ready to be part of a team that Fosters Teamwork and makes a real difference every day, First Student is the place to be.
Your day as a School Van Driver will include:
• Safely transport students to and from school and activities.
• Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids.
• Maintain order on the vehicle to prevent distractions.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections (brakes, lights, tires, emergency exits).
• Report mechanical issues promptly and keep the vehicle clean and sanitary.
• Obey all traffic laws and company safety standards.
• Communicate with parents, school staff, and dispatch about student behavior or delays.
• Demonstrate leadership and customer service skills.
School Van Driver Jobs are Perfect For:
• Retirees looking for supplemental income
• Stay-at-home parents seeking daytime work
• Veterans transitioning into civilian roles
• Anyone seeking a second career or flexible job
• People who enjoy working with children
You might be a good fit as a School Van Driver if you:
• Are at least 21 years old
• Have a valid driver's license for at least 3 years
• Are looking for a part-time schedule and summers off
• Enjoy working with students
Note: This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive employee. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.
Great School Van Drivers often bring skills such as:
• History driving with ride share companies or taxi services
• Previous experience as a teacher, social worker, classroom assistant, hospitality worker, or customer service or retail associate.
Take the wheel and drive your career forward with First Student! Make an impact in your community while enjoying flexible schedules, great pay, and unmatched support.
*Conditions apply; see locations for details.
**Safety and/or Attendance bonus conditions apply. See location for details.
Language Requirement
This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications be conducted in English.
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.

Working at First Student

Perks for frontline workers

From First Student, via Breakroom

  • Competitive pay and paid training

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and paid time off

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage options

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match

  • Career advancement opportunities, including operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues

  • Community impact: Be a trusted figure for students and families

About First Student, in their own words

From First Student

At First Student, we are a team of 66,800 employees dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and efficient student transportation. As the leading student transportation provider in North America, we operate over 530+ locations across the U.S. and Canada. Our family of brands includes Transco, Total Transportation, Maggie’s Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation, helping create and implement the advanced training, technology, and transportation solutions our industry has to offer. Our company’s history is rooted in industry innovation, operational excellence, and a shared commitment to putting students first.

Company values

From First Student

• Focus on safety: Safety is at the heart of everything we do

• Foster teamwork: Work together, act with integrity, respect each other, and champion diversity and inclusion

• Care for our students: Ensure our vehicles are welcoming and trusted places where students feel comfortable and secure

• Surpass customer expectations: Go the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary experience for our customers and communities

• Set the highest standards: Continually seek a better way to do things with innovation, sustainable practices, financial discipline, commercial excellence, and operational excellence


What First Student employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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