Kinetic has announced that Victorian airport express bus operator SkyBus, who it owns, is introducing Kinetic’s Women Up Front program to its operations in the hopes of encouraging more women to get behind the wheel.
Two of the current participants in the program at SkyBus include Vanessa, a former electrical engineer, and Amy, who has a background in running a family day care.
Amy says she found an unexpected bonus of the program is the boost to her confidence after conquering new challenges.
“The incentive to get a bus licence has really motivated me,” Amy says.
“I’ve never driven a heavy vehicle, so it was quite daunting at the start, but now I’ve conquered a few fears.”
Kinetic says the Women Up Front program is part of its strategy to broaden the company’s talent pool and address gender inequality in the transport industry.
The program includes a mix of classroom and on–road training, ensuring candidates have the skills, capability and confidence to deliver world-class service.
Participants also obtain a heavy vehicle license and a nationally recognised Certificate 3 in Driving Operations, which Kinetic says enhances future employability and career progression.
Vanessa says the training program has provided a supportive learning environment.
“The support throughout the program is amazing, the driver mentors are great, and all the drivers are happy to offer a word of advice and encouragement,” Vanessa says.
“Being in a group as you go through the program helps you realise you are not alone and you can count on others to support you. It’s been really good.”
SkyBus general manager Jason Balkin says he is proud to introduce the program and has been fully embraced by the team.
“SkyBus is known for its friendly and world-class customer service and this program gives us the opportunity to attract more people with the right passion and attitude and take care of the training and qualifications,” Balkin says.
“It is helping our business better reflect the diversity of customers we welcome through Melbourne Airport every day and we’re having a ball growing and strengthening our team as proud ambassadors for Victoria.”
Kinetic says the Women Up Front program is helping it drive towards its target of 50 per cent of its workforce being made up by women by 2030.
The program originated in the Gold Coast in 2021 and has now welcomed more than 260 women to the business in the past year.