The Transit Academy in South Australia has marked its first year with more than 235 graduates completing the paid six-week program, strengthening the supply of new professional bus drivers across Adelaide. The initiative, developed by Torrens Transit under Transit Systems, has reworked traditional entry pathways by removing financial barriers and offering structured learning from day one.
The program continues to attract applicants looking for stable, community-focused work, particularly those with a car or HR licences seeking a shift from long-haul or solitary roles. Its model has gained national recognition, with the Academy shortlisted for Best Attraction, Recruitment & Retention Strategy at the Australian HR Institute Awards.
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Torrens Transit managing director Andrew Jenkinson says the results have exceeded expectations.
“The Transit Academy has exceeded our expectations, not just by boosting our team numbers, but by fundamentally broadening the appeal of a driving career to a much wider audience,” Jenkinson says.
He says the paid training structure has been a critical part of the program’s success.
“By offering paid training and a clear pathway, we are providing genuine job security from the outset, and an opportunity for people to take on a highly professional transport career,” he says.
Since launching, the Academy has become a steady recruitment source for casual, part-time and full-time driving positions across Adelaide. Graduates are moving into frontline roles that offer regular interaction with passengers and strong links to local communities.
Transit Academy trainee Daniel Mellier says the job’s variety has been a major drawcard.
“I think the thing I like most about my job is that no two days are the same,” Mellier says. “My shifts change from day to day and thus the scenery and people change.”
He says regular passengers add to the role’s appeal.
“Seeing the regular passengers that then become familiar faces who I can build rapport and have a bit of a chat or a joke with makes the experience enjoyable for everyone,” he says.
Applications are open for future cohorts, with roles available across the Torrens Transit network upon completion of the program.
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