Apprentice Technician

FIRST STUDENT MANAGEMENT LLC; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Company‑paid CDL Class B training

Job summary

First Student Management LLC in Meriden, CT is hiring an Apprentice Diesel Technician to support our school district operations. You will work alongside experienced mechanics, learn inspection, maintenance, and repair of school buses, with a Monday–Friday 5:30 AM – 2:30 PM schedule.

This entry‑level role offers hands‑on mentorship, paid training, and company‑paid CDL Class B training, plus ASE testing and tuition materials.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.
• Automotive, diesel, vocational, or technical school experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to obtain a CDL Class B within 60 days of employment (company‑paid training provided).
• Basic mechanic tool set is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preventative maintenance on school buses and fleet vehicles.
• Learn 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 training and development programs.
• Work closely with senior technicians to build knowledge.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Willingness to learn

Basic computer skills

Safety mindset

Education

Automotive/diesel/technical school experience preferred

Tools

CDL Class B training

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.

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

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.

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 SanFranciscoFair Chance Ordinance, LosAngelesFair 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.

Mission

Provide unmatched care and the safest ride to school, so when students arrive, they start and end their day with an exceptional experience and are ready to achieve their full potential.

Focus on Safety

Safety is at the heart of everything we do.

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.

Foster Teamwork

Work together, act with integrity, respect each other, champion diversity and inclusion.

Set the Highest Standards

Continually seek a better way to do things with innovation, sustainable practices, financial discipline, commercial excellence, and operational excellence