Cadetship - Operations Leadership Pathway

Drive Your Future: Join Kinetic’s Cadetship Program – Operations Leadership Pathway

The opportunity

Kinetic's Cadetship Program is designed to build the skills, confidence and capability of our future leaders through hands-on experience and meaningful operational exposure.

Australia's 2026 intake is open exclusively to women, offering tailored development to break down the systemic barriers that have long limited women's advancement into leadership positions in the transport industry. 

What is an Operations Leader?

Operations Leaders are the heartbeat of our network – leading teams, managing day-to-day operations, and ensuring services run safely and efficiently. If you’re passionate about leadership, problem-solving, and making a real impact, this is your chance to shape the future of public transport.

What will the program look like?

The program will be over 9 months and commences with you learning the most important role at Kinetic – how to drive a bus! You’ll be trained by our industry leading trainers to drive a bus safely and competently, and you’ll obtain your heavy vehicle license.

You will then rotate through a series of placements to get a well-rounded introduction to the operations, planning and leadership functions that keep our network moving. This hands-on experience will give you the skills and confidence to build a successful career in transport operations.

Along with gaining business and operational skills, your development as a future people leader will be enhanced by participating in our leadership development programs.

At the conclusion of the program, you will be ready to step into a permanent Operations Leadership position and play a key role in delivering safe, reliable, and customer-focused transport services.

What you’ll bring

• Strong leadership potential and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving and analytical ability
• Excellent attention to detail
• Clear and confident communication skills
• Ability to adapt and learn quickly
• Collaborative team player
• Commitment to safety and compliance
• Current driver’s licence (car)

 Who are Kinetic?

Kinetic is Australasia’s largest and most trusted bus network, connecting communities across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. With a fleet of over 5,000 buses and a team of 7,400 passionate people, we deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable transport every day.

We’re committed to shaping the future of public transport through innovation and inclusion. Our goal is to achieve gender equality in our workforce by 2030, and we’re leading the way with initiatives like Women Up Front.

As part of our sustainability journey, we’re investing in zero-emission technology and building greener networks for generations to come.