MENTORING IN ACTION: IPS Supporting the Next Generation of Tradies

At IPS, Creating Better Futures isn’t just a tagline — it’s the driving force behind everything the organisation does.

Within the newly minted Workforce Transformation service line, one of the most powerful examples of that vision in action is the mentoring work of Marika Silverthorne through the Construction Training Fund (CTF) Scholarship Program.

For many young people entering trades training, the journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. That’s where IPS mentors like Marika make a real difference.

​With a warm, approachable presence and a deep understanding of the barriers students face, she provides guidance that goes far beyond the classroom.

“Marika was a huge help while I was doing my TAFE/CTF course,” says Lachlan Pass, a recent participant in the program.

“She always checked in to see how I was going—not just with the course, but personally too.”

From resume workshops to interview practice and emotional support, Marika’s holistic approach helps students develop both the practical and personal skills they need to succeed.

 For Lachlan, that support led to a breakthrough.

​“She gave me a hand with my resume, which actually helped me land an apprenticeship in bricklaying and block laying,” he shares.

“Even after I finished the course, she was still happy to help out with anything I needed for the apprenticeship.”

This level of ongoing support is a cornerstone of IPS’s mentoring model — one that emphasises long-term empowerment over short-term outcomes.

IPS collaborates with the Construction Training Fund to deliver personalised, culturally responsive support to trainees across WA.

The program is part of IPS’s broader Workforce Transformation portfolio, which includes mentoring, capability building, career coaching, and employer engagement — all tailored to help individuals thrive on their own terms.

Lachlan’s journey from student to apprentice is just one of many stories emerging from the CTF Scholarship Program — a testament to what can happen when mentorship is done with integrity, heart, and a genuine commitment to student growth.

“Marika was super easy to talk to and always had a way to help out if something wasn’t going right,” Lachlan reflects.

“She really helped me get to where I am now.”

To explore our Workforce Transformation programs and see how IPS can support your organisation or community, visit: ipsau.com.au/services