We are thrilled to announce Nicole Mattsson FIEP, National Support Hub and Key Client Manager at Mas National (Part of IntoWork Australia), is our 200th IEP Fellow! Her experience in the Australian employability sector spans various employment services including youth and disability employment, generalist and migrant employment, and most recently, in the apprenticeships space.
Speaking of her Fellowship, Nicole says:
“The employment services sector is a cornerstone of society, impacting everyone at some stage of their life. Whether as a user seeking employment, an employer searching for the right candidate, or a partner organisation supporting vulnerable individuals in their journey towards economic independence, the influence of this sector is undeniable. My passion for this field is rooted in a somewhat unexpected beginning – what I like to call ‘falling into the sector’.
“Initially, I was certain that my future lay in business law or the corporate world. However, as I neared the end of university, I took a chance on a path that promised more than just a career – it promised purpose. Leaving behind my leadership role at McDonald’s, I stepped into a world where the work we do genuinely matters, and I’ve never looked back.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from a diverse group of people, each contributing to my growth and understanding of the sector. This experience has instilled in me a deep commitment to paying it forward. I believe that in our field, we are only as strong as our colleagues. Collaboration that is driven by intent, respect, and moral values will always outshine forced competition. After all, the impact we strive to make is on humans – each a unique individual with their own story and potential.
“My experience spans various employment services, from youth unemployment and disability employment to generalist and migrant employment. Most recently, I have transitioned into the apprenticeships space. Despite the differences in these areas, the common thread is always the same: the person seeking work and the employer. Our role is to bridge that gap, to foster belief, and to drive the possibilities that lie ahead.
“Joining the IEP as a Fellow represents my commitment to continue learning, growing, sharing and celebrating what this fellowship has to offer. The employment services sector, both in Australia and abroad, is in the midst of significant change, with new consultations, reforms, and contracting arrangements on the horizon. These are times of uncertainty, but also of opportunity. The more we can collectively leverage our expertise, the better equipped we will be to navigate these changes and drive meaningful impact.
“In a sector that touches so many lives, I am dedicated to making a difference, not just through my own work but by contributing to the collective wisdom and strength of our community. The IEP Fellowship offers a platform to do just that, and I am eager to see where this journey will take me – and us – as we work together to shape the future of employment services.”
Our Global Influence is Growing
IEP Group CEO Scott Parkin FIEP is proud to reach the 200 Fellow milestone.
“This shows that our global influence is growing, as is the status given through Fellowship. It’s also 200 more people who we can mobilise to amplify our message and to make sure that we remain on track wherever we are in the world,” Scott said.
“I think we will be at 500 Fellows in the next year, across a number of existing countries and territories, as well as new ones. The fellowship recognises real contribution and talent, and within employability services we have a great deal of that across the world.”
Scott was humbled to be our very first ‘applied for’ Fellow.
“It’s all Helen Richardson’s FIEP fault,” Scott said. “Helen was part of the initial group that set up the IEP alongside the help from AELP, ERSA and a handful of industry partners. A number of people who did that, including Helen, were awarded ‘Honorary Fellowship’ and they remain very supportive. They have been the backbone of how this network has been built.”
What Fellowship Means to Our Fellows
Ross McLatchie FIEP, IEP Senior Advisor of Growth in Australia
“The beauty of the IEP Fellowship network is the ability to establish peer-to-peer connections, enabling access to a wider range of resources and information. It is through greater collaboration and the sharing of proven person-centred practice that we will have the greatest impact on the lives of some of our most disadvantaged Australians.”
Chris McMillan FIEP, General Manager of Work Pathways at ReadyTech
“Embarking on this journey as an IEP Fellow is deeply rooted in my passion for empowering individuals on their path to meaningful work. With over two decades of experience in the employment services, apprenticeships, and training sectors, I’ve seen first-hand the transformative power of collaboration and shared best practice.”
For me, Fellowship is about actively contributing to the mission and vision of the IEP, not just locally but on a global scale. I see it as an opportunity to bridge gaps, connect with fellow professionals, and drive the professionalisation of our sector forward, while ultimately supporting others in gaining, progressing, and retaining employment.”
Ania Mendrek FIEP, Founder and Managing Director of Crafting Civic Change
“Being a Fellow of the IEP empowers me to stay at the forefront of employability services, ensuring that I can bring the most innovative and effective solutions to organisations who work with people in need of those services. It enables me to collaborate with professionals and Thought Leaders from across the sector, enriching my work and enhancing the impact we can make together. This Fellowship is not just a recognition; it’s a responsibility that I cherish, driving me to continually advocate for and implement policies that support and uplift vulnerable populations through meaningful employment opportunities.
Michael Högberg FIEP, psychotherapist specialising in cognitive behavioural therapy, Method and Programme Developer for the IEP Learning Academy
“The IEP and its Fellowship are an excellent platform to increase precisely the affinity and knowledge sharing with competent colleagues from different but related fields. By learning and taking support from each other, we increase our conditions to develop and maintain motivation, create meaning and can thus be even more effective in meeting our various customers and target groups.”
Caroline Bostock FIEP, Director of Employability and Community Services at Palladium
“I am honoured to be an IEP Fellow, and I am committed to promoting the further professionalisation of our sector to ensure the life-changing work we do is properly supported, recognised and rewarded.”
