CINCINNATI — First Student plans to hire 5,000 school bus drivers in the U.S. and Canada for the 2016-17 school year.

"We're looking for friendly, responsible, hard-working individuals to join our team," said First Student President Dennis R. Maple. "Every school day, our drivers have the opportunity to directly impact a young person's life. This is a special and unique opportunity. We train our drivers to be highly skilled not only in the technical aspects of operating a bus, but also the interpersonal aspects of engaging with students in a way that creates a positive experience."

Information about hiring events, available positions, and how to apply is available at apply.firstgroupcareers.com.

First Student received a Certified Age Friendly Employer Certification from RetirementJobs.com for being committed to considering job seekers 50 and over for employment, according to the company.