As a member of the Indigenous Employment Panel under the IEP, TIDE is contracted by DEEWR to provide pre employment training, mentoring and job placement for 50 Aboriginal jobseekers over 2009-2010. TIDE's service area for the IEP covers the Lower Hunter, Manning and Hastings ESA's. Aboriginal job seekers for the IEP can be sourced from JSA providers, other employment service providers or the community.

The principle role of the IEP Field Officer is to work with employer and training organisations to secure Aboriginal employment and training opportunities across the three service areas but with a primary focus on the Manning ESA. The IEP Field Officer is also required to work closely with the JSA Consultants to match Aboriginal job seekers to employment and training opportunities. The field Officer is also required to provide mentoring support to Aboriginal clients placed into employment and training. The IEP Field Officer will also work with appropriate employers to encourage and assist them in developing Aboriginal employment strategies.

As a member of the Indigenous Business Development and Support Panel (also under the IEP) TIDE anticipates being contracted by DEEWR in the near future to provide training and mentoring support to TIDE's Aboriginal staff.