Transit Systems has been awarded the prestigious Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Award for Best Attraction, Recruitment & Retention Strategy.
The national award recognises Transit Systems’ industry-leading approach to building a robust, skilled workforce through its innovative driver development program, Transit Academy.
Transit Systems NSW Managing Director Rino Matarazzo commended the essential role of the company’s frontline staff and the team who developed the successful strategy.
“Driving a bus takes skill, patience, and resilience. You’re dealing with the public, navigating complex routes, and while you’re part of a big team, you’re mostly on your own.
“Our drivers are at the frontline every single day, they are true community heroes who quite literally keep our cities moving.”
Transit Systems Executive General Manager People, Safety and Communications, Tanya Smith said the award highlights the company’s success in creating a supportive pipeline of talent, ensuring the continuity and quality of public transport services across Australia.
“We are incredibly proud that Transit Systems received the AHRI Award for Best Attraction, Recruitment & Retention Strategy.
“Thank you to everyone involved with making the Transit Academy a success, it is a win for the entire team behind the scenes who designed and delivered this innovative program, as well as a win for the transport industry itself,” she said.
The Transit Academy model was recognised for its proven ability to rapidly scale and train talent for complex operational needs, attracting new talent into a traditional workforce environment.
• Impact: The program successfully recruited and trained 140 new drivers in just seven months for one of Transport for NSW’s most complex rail replacement projects, ensuring essential network operations remained seamless.
• Expansion: Following its success, the program is now also running in South Australia and is currently rolling out in Queensland, helping Transit Systems build a strong, skilled workforce for the future across multiple jurisdictions.
Transit Systems views the Academy as a national blueprint for connecting job seekers with meaningful, reliable employment in the transport sector.
“We’re proud to lead an initiative that makes it easier to connect with meaningful employment, offering a guaranteed job and paid training for those who join us.
“So next time you catch a bus, thank your driver, they’re the reason our cities keep moving,” she said.
Ms Smith said if you’re thinking about a reliable career, or know someone who is, please visit the Transit Academy website, www.transitacademy.com.au
