Fuelling future skills with Kinetic’s next wave of apprentices
This National Apprenticeship Week marks the beginning of something big at Kinetic — a new generation of skilled mechanics ready to power the future of the transport industry.
With nearly 600 applicants from across four states, the launch of our first-ever National Apprenticeship Program has proven that talent is everywhere, and there is strong demand for careers in this essential trade.
Stepping into our workshops ready to learn a trade important to keeping communities moving, we sat down with some of our newest apprentices to hear how they’re going 4 weeks into the job.
An opportunity in remote South Australia
For Kallin Pullin, the apprenticeship came at just the right time. Living near the remote township of Olympic Dam in South Australia, Kalin was eager to find reliable, ongoing work within his community.
“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."
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.”
Kinetic’s four-year Apprentice Program gives apprentices invaluable hands-on experience in workshops while working toward their heavy vehicle mechanic qualification. It’s designed to support them not just during their apprenticeship, but throughout their careers.
Kallin said there is more to the job than just mechanical work because it’s also about the people.
“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.”
While it’s still early days in his apprenticeship, Kallin is ready for what’s ahead.
“I've only learned such a small proportion, but to me, it's a lot. Knowing there's so much more to cover, I'm open and ready to learn as much as I can.”
Putting women up front in Tasmania
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.”
The apprenticeship gives Maddie the opportunity to work in a field she’s passionate about while gaining a qualification and earning an income.
“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.”
Maddison was selected from nearly 50 applicants for an apprenticeship in Launceston, Tasmania.
“It went down to myself and my best friend. He said to me, ‘I'm kind of hoping that you get it because for Tasmania to have a female mechanic apprentice would be an achievement too.’”
While Maddison agrees the industry is still seen as male-dominated, she says gender doesn’t matter once you’re in the depot.
“Everyone pitches in. You never feel like there’s is anything that you can’t do. There is always an extra set of hands close by, and all you have to do is ask if you need help.”
Work experience to apprenticeship in Melbourne
In Melbourne, first-year apprentice Felicity Ramage shares a similar view.
“People think that as a woman, it will be hard, but it's not like that. It feels no different— everyone is treated and treats each other the same.”
“Everyone I work with is really supportive.”
Despite only recently finishing high school, Felicity already had experience in the industry through study and placements.
“I was always interested in mechanics. I grew up around it because of my dad. In year 11, I was doing a VET course for automotives. And in year 12, I needed a work placement for two days a week, so I ended up doing my placement with Kinetic.”
After placement, Felicity decided to apply for an apprenticeship as part of Kinetic’s first national intake. Through the scheme, Kinetic is investing in upskilling its workforce, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and increasing diversity across the business. Receiving applications from a national pool allows Kinetic to access the best talent from across the country.
After her first month, Felicity is already learning new skills and working alongside others in the workshop.
“It's been pretty busy the last few weeks. I come in, I put on my overalls, and then I go and see my supervisor. He gives me jobs to do and direction on who to work with someone. So far, I’ve been able to work with someone different every day.”
Bus user to engine builder in Tweed Heads border-town
Over on the New South Wales-Queensland border, Harry Davis has started his Kinetic apprenticeship at the Tweeds Heads depot.
“I’m in my fourth week now. We've been doing a lot of services and pre-machineries. The other day, we took out a transmission. There are talks of us starting engine rebuilds, and that definitely excites me. I’ve always been pretty keen on that type of work because I want to rebuild one for my car.”
While in high school, Harry got his first taste of the industry through part-time work.
“I used to wash trucks on Saturdays. I did little jobs, like helping out the mechanic there. Then I did some work experience, mostly working on trucks. That was the main reason I was interested in the apprenticeship at Kinetic.”
For Harry, joining Kinetic as an apprentice is more than just a career move—it’s a chance to contribute to his local community.
“I used the local buses for ages before I had my licence. I like the idea of working for a local company—that keeps me interested in what I’m doing.”
A word of advice
In Olympic Dam, Kallin encourages those considering an apprenticeship to take advantage of the opportunities it offers.
“If you ever get presented with a chance to start an apprenticeship - no matter what it is - it's a great opportunity for more learning. You also grow within the community, making a good connection where you are.”
Felicity shares a similar perspective, highlighting the encouragement apprentices receive.
“Definitely give an apprenticeship a go. It's not as hard as it might seem, and the people you work with are really supportive.”
Kinetic 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.
Keep an eye out for the next program intake in August 2025.
National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-16) is all about promoting the value of Australian Apprenticeships to employers, job seekers, industry and government. It is designed to advance the role apprenticeships play in building workforce skills, knowledge and a robust Australian economy.
Further enquiries
Loni Jeffs
Communications Specialist
loni.jeffs@wearekinetic.com