Yaka Dandjoo Program: Celebrating the Impact

At IPS Management Consultants (IPS), we are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through innovative programs that foster sustainable employment and growth.

​The Yaka Dandjoo ready-for-work program has made a significant impact by equipping unemployed and entry-level individuals with the skills needed for long-term careers in the construction industry.

A Transformative Journey
The Yaka Dandjoo program recently celebrated its final cohort of graduates, marking a milestone in our commitment to enhancing employment opportunities. This initiative has provided a tailored, supportive environment where participants can develop not only technical skills but also the confidence necessary for success in their careers.

​With a total of 191 graduates across 13 cohorts, nearly two-thirds of participants have secured employment in the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (BORR) project or entered the broader construction industry.

This achievement is a testament to the program's effectiveness and the collaborative efforts of our dedicated team and partners, in bridging the gap between education and employment.
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Tailored Support for Lasting Change
The success of Yaka Dandjoo can be attributed to a strong collaborative effort involving esteemed group training organisations such as The Apprenticeship and Traineeship Company and Skill Hire.

​These partners played an essential role in delivering structured training and invaluable resources, while the BORR project’s dedicated safety team and project trainers ensured that apprentices not only achieved national qualifications but also gained hands-on experience vital for their roles on the South West's largest infrastructure project. The mentorship provided by site supervisors further enriched the learning experience, allowing trainees to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

​​Pictured – IPS Project Team: People & Culture Manager Kimball Powell, IPS Workforce Solutions Lead Jackie Graham, Yaka Dandjoo Training Coordinators Tanya Gosztyla and Kandice Hart (Mentor).

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Recognition for Our Effort

We are excited to announce that members of the IPS team within the South West Gateway Alliance have been awarded the 2024 NAWIC WA Awards in the 'Diversity and Inclusion' category. This recognition underscores our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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As we celebrate the achievements of the Yaka Dandjoo program, IPS would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Main Roads and the South West Gateway Alliance for helping us turn this vision into reality. Your support has been instrumental in helping us forge pathways towards our company vision of 'Creating Better Futures.'

Here are some valuable reflections from the Yaka Dandjoo program graduates:

“The Yaka Dandjoo program has really helped me in so many ways, just the amount of support alone has been amazing.”

“When I started the Yaka Dandjoo program, I had no idea I would end up where I am today. I have my first job working on the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

“At the start, they said we’re going to be a family, and I didn’t believe them but now we really are.”

To commemorate the program's success, we invite you to view a special video capturing the highlights from the final graduation ceremony.

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