Kinetic National Apprenticeship Program off to smashing start

With National Apprenticeship Week kicking off earlier this week, transport operator Kinetic have jumped in head-first with the launch of its first-ever National Apprenticeship Program.

The new program has seen nearly 600 applicants from across four states, offering extensive four-year apprenticeships across the heavy vehicle mechanic and automotive electrician sectors.

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Successful applicants have now been working with Kinetic for the past four weeks, sharing their thoughts about the program so far.

“I was job searching when I saw the ad pop up. An apprenticeship was something I always wanted to do, but I never knew exactly what kind. I like to tinker around and work on my own cars and do the mechanical side of things, so that’s what led me to apply,” apprentice Kallin Pullin says.

Now one month into his apprenticeship at the Olympic Dam depot, the mature-age apprentice is already gaining new skills

“After the inductions were done, we started going through the insides of the buses, doing inspections and checking the seat belts, the buckles—making sure everything was working. Then by my second week, it grew into the auto-electrician side of things, fixing door panels and latches,” he says.

“You get the chance to meet a lot of people – all the different bus drivers that come in, and the rest of the team. It’s easy to find out if there’s anything happening with the buses, and about the services we’re delivering.

“Everyone is really great to work with.”

For Tasmania apprentice Maddison Beames, it was a life-long interest in mechanics and a desire to work with diesel engines that inspired her to apply. She had previously worked in a parts supply role for heavy vehicles but was eager to be more hands-on.

“I was always that little kid on the side of the road pulling their arm down, telling the truck to honk its horn. So I wondered what it would be like to actually work with trucks and buses, to work on the diesel side of things,” Beames says.

“For all the years that I’ve had the knowledge, it’s exciting to actually make it official and further my career. Once I’m fully certified, I will be able to do whatever I want to do.”

Kinetic says it is proud to be investing in the future of the transport industry with 39 apprentices currently employed throughout the business.

The National Apprenticeship Program gives apprentices guidance from multiple mentors, providing well-rounded experience that prepares them for a successful career beyond the four-year program.