WA RAIL REVOLUTION: Thornlie-Cockburn Line Opening Builds on IPS-led Program Success

​Western Australia’s METRONET program continues to reshape Perth’s public transport network and deliver life-changing opportunities along the way.

This weekend, the highly anticipated Thornlie-Cockburn Link officially opens, adding five new stations to Perth’s expanding rail network. As the train stations begin operations, some on-going work will continue to turn the rail corridor into a parkland called “Long Park”, over the next few months.

The Thornlie-Cockburn Link is the latest milestone in WA’s $1 billion rail transformation. But behind the new shiny stations, elevated tracks, and modern infrastructure lies a hidden success story — one that highlights how METRONET is delivering more than just transportation upgrades.

The Armadale Line Upgrade, which paved the way for the Thornlie-Cockburn Link has already created significant employment outcomes thanks to the work of IPS Management Consultants, who led the highly successful OnTrack Program.​​

The government-backed OnTrack initiative was designed to provide intensive mentoring, skills development and real job opportunities for West Australians, many of whom were entering the workforce and the construction industry for the first time.

Some of the key milestones achieved through IPS and OnTrack include:

• 105 trainees commenced the program
• 87 graduated successfully
• 57 secured direct employment on the Armadale Line Upgrade project
• 25 transitioned into employment outside of the project
• 44% of graduates identified as First Nations people
• 30% of participants were female
• $103,000 in court-imposed fines were expiated through the Work Development Payment Scheme
  
  

Through one-on-one mentoring and tailored support, the IPS team worked closely with trainees to help them overcome barriers, develop valuable skills and create lasting career pathways in WA’s growing infrastructure and construction sectors.

The program was also recognized for its outstanding mentorship and support, winning the 'Above and Beyond Award' at the Nudge Training Awards last November.
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WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti recently acknowledged the scale and significance of these infrastructure works:
“We appreciate the community’s patience while we deliver this transformative program of works on the Armadale Line. We’re building incredible new stations, removing dangerous level crossings, turning the rail corridor into parkland, and upgrading huge sections of track between Beckenham and Armadale.”
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Programs like OnTrack demonstrate how public infrastructure projects can drive not only economic growth but also lasting social outcomes for local communities.

​By partnering with government, industry, and training organisations, IPS Management Consultants has helped ensure the Armadale Line Upgrade delivers a legacy that extends far beyond construction.