Apprentice Technician

First Student; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 56,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Company-paid CDL Class B training

Job summary

First Student is now hiring an Apprentice Diesel Technician to support our Meriden, CT operations. You will work under experienced technicians to learn inspection, maintenance, and repair of school buses, while adhering to safety standards and quality workmanship.

This role offers structured mentorship, hands-on training, and opportunities for progression across a nationally connected network of service locations. English proficiency is required for DOT and safety communications.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.
• Automotive, diesel, vocational, or technical school experience preferred.
• Previous hands-on mechanical experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preventative maintenance on school buses and fleet vehicles.
• Learn vehicle inspection procedures and safety standards.
• Assist with brake inspections and repairs.
• Support tire, steering, suspension, and drivetrain maintenance.
• Learn electrical troubleshooting and basic diagnostics.
• Complete work orders and maintenance documentation accurately.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Assist with mobile emergency repair services when needed.
• Participate in company-sponsored training and development programs.
• Work closely with senior technicians to build knowledge and hands-on experience.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Valid driver's license

Basic computer skills

Willingness to learn

Education

Technical school experience (automotive/diesel/vocational)

Tools

Basic mechanic tools

Job description

Now Hiring: Apprentice Diesel Technician

Supporting Meriden, CT School Districts

Schedule: Monday-Friday | 5:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Pay: $28.23 per hour (per union contract)

Are you mechanically inclined and looking to start a rewarding career in diesel maintenance? First Student is hiring an Apprentice Diesel Technician to support our operation serving the Meriden, CT school districts.

At First Student, we believe great technicians are built through hands‑on experience, mentorship, and training. As an Apprentice Diesel Technician, you'll work alongside experienced mechanics while learning the skills needed to inspect, maintain, and repair school buses safely and efficiently.

Every day, our maintenance team helps ensure students arrive safely to and from school. Behind every bus is a dedicated technician committed to reliability, safety, and service excellence.

While First Student is North America's largest provider of student transportation-serving more than 1,250 school districts and completing over 5 million student journeys every day-our focus in Meriden is local. You'll join a close-knit team that values safety, teamwork, and career development.

Why Join First Student?

Competitive Pay & Benefits

• $28.23 per hour (per union contract)
• Consistent Monday-Friday schedule
• Stable, year-round employment
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing
• Company-paid ASE testing and training materials
• ASE certification incentive program
• Tool reimbursement program
• Safety glasses reimbursement program
• Boot reimbursement program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• PerkSpot employee discount program featuring discounts on cell phone plans, vehicles, travel, entertainment, and more

Career Advancement Opportunities

At First Student, we invest in our technicians. Through ongoing training, mentorship, ASE certification support, and CDL training, Apprentice Technicians can advance into Diesel Technician, Lead Technician, Shop Foreman, Maintenance Manager, and other leadership roles across more than 540 locations throughout the United States and Canada.

About The Apprentice Diesel Technician Position

As an Apprentice Diesel Technician, you will work under the guidance of experienced technicians while developing the skills necessary to maintain and repair a fleet of school buses.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with preventative maintenance services on school buses and fleet vehicles
• Learn vehicle inspection procedures and safety standards
• Assist with brake inspections and repairs
• Support tire, steering, suspension, and drivetrain maintenance
• Learn electrical troubleshooting and basic diagnostics
• Complete work orders and maintenance documentation accurately
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Assist with mobile emergency repair services when needed
• Participate in company-sponsored training and development programs
• Work closely with senior technicians to build technical knowledge and hands‑on experience

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn
• Automotive, diesel, vocational, or technical school experience preferred
• Previous hands‑on mechanical experience is a plus
• Valid driver's license required
• Ability to obtain a CDL Class B within 60 days of employment (company‑paid training provided)
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to work safely in a fast‑paced maintenance environment
• Willingness to participate in the ASE certification program
• Ability to lift, carry, and work around heavy equipment and vehicle components
• Possession of a basic mechanic's tool set is preferred

Additional Information

This position is subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements as a safety‑sensitive position. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, regardless of state or local laws.

Start Your Maintenance Career with First Student

Whether you're coming from a technical school, automotive background, or simply have a passion for mechanics, First Student provides the training, mentorship, and career growth opportunities needed to build a successful future in diesel maintenance.

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.