Area Training Manager in Carol Stream, Illinois, US - First Student | Job Detail

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Area Training Manager
First Student - Carol Stream, Illinois, US
Job type: Full Time
Resume required: Yes
Posted date: 2026-01-09
Street Address: 220 Westgate Drive Carol Stream, IL 60188-2243 United States of America

Full job description:

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.

The Area Training Manager is responsible for the day-to-day execution of training programs across multiple locations within a designated area. This role oversees all in-person training schedules in partnership with the locations, manages a team of full-time and part-time trainers in their training function and ensures seamless integration of training processes with operations and safety teams. The Area Training Manager is also responsible for partnering with CX Specialists to enhance candidate experience, ensuring training compliance, and driving candidate throughput to successful onboarding.

Salary: $70-90k, depending upon experience

Schedule: Monday through Friday

Major Responsibilities

  • Training Program Management:
    • Execute company training programs at the area level, ensuring consistency with company standards and alignment with operating procedures.
    • Partner with location managers to facilitate efficient and effective training delivery for new hires and ongoing safety training.
  • Trainer Supervision and Scheduling:
    • Directly manage all trainers within the area, overseeing their schedules to optimize coverage for all training activities.
    • Ensure trainers maintain appropriate certifications and compliance, conducting regular evaluations and coaching sessions as needed.
    • Balance trainer workload, adjusting schedules as necessary to meet training demands while managing trainer hours and maintaining budget oversight in partnership with the locations in the operating area.
  • Candidate Engagement and Onboarding:
    • Work closely with CX Specialists to monitor candidate progress and ensure a positive onboarding experience.
    • Coordinate with trainers and CX Specialists to provide clear and consistent communication to candidates regarding their training schedules and expectations.
  • Collaboration with Operations and Safety Teams:
    • Partner with local operations and safety teams to align training programs with safety initiatives and operational goals.
    • Provide support for local safety training and ensure training practices meet safety standards and regulations.
    • Act as a key contact for location managers regarding training needs and resource allocation.
  • Compliance and Reporting:
    • Ensure all training activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as company policies.
    • Maintain accurate training records and documentation, monitoring trainer and candidate compliance.
    • Act as primary documentation manager for all training documentation, ensuring documentation compliance.
    • Ensure all FMCSA requirements for the Training Provider Registry are entered in compliance.
    • Prepare reports on training activities, candidate progress, and trainer performance, providing data-driven insights for continuous improvement.
  • Training Excellence and Quality Control:
    • Monitor training delivery and provide ongoing feedback to trainers to maintain high-quality training standards.
    • Support the continuous improvement of training content and methods by collaborating with the Region Training Manager and other stakeholders.
    • Address any issues impacting training quality, making necessary adjustments to meet company expectations.
  • Resource Planning and Allocation:
    • Ensure appropriate trainer staffing levels at each location to meet training needs, assisting with recruitment and onboarding of new trainers as necessary.
    • Plan and allocate training resources effectively to support training schedules and location-specific requirements.
  • Direct Support for Training Programs:
    • Be hands-on in supporting training sessions when necessary, providing backup coverage and assistance during peak periods or trainer absences.
    • Maintain an active presence across locations, conducting site visits as needed to observe training sessions and engage with trainers and trainees.
  • Additional Duties:
    • Perform other duties as assigned to support the team and company's goals.



Minimum Education or Certifications Required

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred.



Minimum Experience or Skills Required

  • 3 years of management experience, preferably in training or a related field.
  • 3 years of experience in transportation, safety, or training operations.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local training regulations.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with training management systems.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage relationships across multiple levels.
  • Proven ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a dynamic environment.
  • Demonstrated consistent attendance and punctuality.
  • Ability to travel between locations as needed.



Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

  • Ability to move around office and company facilities, use standard office equipment, and communicate effectively in person or by phone.
  • Must be able to travel up to 50% for training site visits and oversight.
  • May require driving a company or personal vehicle for location visits and training support.


Disclaimer
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

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.


Job reference: JR12412

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