People, Places and the Many Faces of NMIT
NMIT has a proud tradition of providing excellent teaching and training. It is in this spirit of excellence that the many NMIT students learn their craft, realise their talents, develop their skills and become the success stories that you are about to read.
With more than 500 nationally-accredited courses and 380 institute-accredited courses, NMIT gives students the opportunities to excel in their chosen careers. Staff and students have won major industry awards, both on the national and international stage. Read about their experiences and the choices that have contributed to their milestones in life.
Latest Success stories
- Adina Buzila - Hospitality
- Anita Gibson - Animal Studies
- Billie Sudano - Hairdressing
- Cali Bukurow - Community Services Work
- Callan Haren - Agriculture and Land Management
- Cameron Herweynen - Photography
- Chantelle Rogers - Music Industry
- Claudia Pino - Information Technology
- Colleen Romeril - Accounting
- David Januszkiewicz - Cookery - Patisserie - Bakery
- Fouad Fares - Business, International Trade
- Heather Newnham - Equine Studies
- Isabelle Noble - Music
- Jake Russell - Furniture and Cabinet making
- James Coates - Education
- James Savage - Music
- Jessica Soultani - Tourism and Events
- Karen Cullen - Associate Degree of Tertiary Studies
- Leonard Villani - Computer Systems
- Lucy Hardie - Illustration
- Luke Smith - Renewable Energy
- Mathew Froude - Viticulture and Winemaking
- Michael Millar - Wall and Floor Tiling
- Paul Tran - Carpentry
- Peter Grenfell - Conservation and Land Management
- Rajika Agampodi - Children's Services Work
- Raymund Rayos - Aquaculture
- Reagan Ng - Locksmithing
- Reanna Clayton - Agriculture and Land Management
- Rick Gentile - Massage
- Samantha Nicolaou - Education
- Samantha Thomas - Writing and Publishing
- Sarah Edmonds - Administration (Medical)
- Thom Yaemprayun - Floristry
- Len Lindon - Preparing for a Music Audition
- Kathy Stewart - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
- Salma Mohamed - YAMEC, Certificate III and IV in Science
- Kat Winduss - Certificate IV in Science
- Amy Findlay - Bachelor of Australian Popular Music
- Kim Smith - Diploma of E-Business and Website Developement
- Omar (Bobby) Ali - Bachelor of Hospitality Management
- Andria Aspris - Advanced Diploma of Remedial Massage (Myotherapy)
- Michael Barton - Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering
- Alycia Benincasa - Diploma of Sport Development
- Kyle Bevans - Certificate III in Locksmithing
- Na (Nina) Cui - Diploma of Accounting
- Karina Davis - Bachelor of Education (Early Years)
- Hayden Dewar - Bachelor of Illustration
- Josh Flannery-Kile - Certificate III in Meat Processing
- Sharyn Frantz - Certificate III in Hospitality (Patisserie)
- Suzette Hall - Bachelor of Equine Studies
- Rachael Head - Advanced Diploma of Music Performance (Jazz and Contemporary)
- Sarah Heyward - Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology - Jewellery
- Ben Hokin - Bachelor of Aquaculture
- Mat Johnson - Certificate III in General Construction (Bricklaying/Blocklaying)
- Simon Jones - Advanced Diploma of Information Technology (Systems Process and Improvement)
- Luke Kalms - Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
- Jack Levitt - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
- Richelle Magro - Certificate III in General Construction (Painting and Decorating)
- Sheena Mason - Diploma of Agriculture
- Wazana Maza - Advanced Diploma in Tourism
- Gabriel Monier - Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking
- Lukas Page - Certificate III in Off-site Construction (Joinery/Timber/Aluminium/Glass)
- Kobe Pallis - Diploma of Photoimaging
- June (Thi Hoa) Phu - Associate Degree in International Business Management
- Monika Roberts - Bachelor of Writing and Publishing
- Abdelnour Nour Saade - Bachelor of Accounting
- Veljko Vasiljevic - Certificate IV in Applied Design (Landscape)
- Kara Volau - Certificate III in Aged Care
- Henry Von Doussa - Diploma of Equine Stud Management
- Kathryn Wadsworth - Certificate IV in Hairdressing
- Eliza White - Bachelor of Agriculture and Land Management
- Nathan Woods - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
- Ali Bagholani - English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Sotheary Pok - English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Marianela Ceballos - English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Katrina Tran - English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Thanh Giang Nguyen - English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Thao Thi Ngoc Nguyen - English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Sarah Bell - Advanced Diploma of Information Technology
- Kobe Pallis - Diploma of Photoimaging
- Kylie Brusaschi - Bachelor of Writing and Publishing
- Ruchi Chandra - Diploma of Community Welfare Work
- Max Cherry - Teacher - Security Engineering, locksmithing
- Cameron Dale - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
- Rebecca Dynon - Certificate III and Diploma of Horticulture (Turf)
- Georgia Fields - Bachelor of Australian Popular Music
- Mary Hackett - Engineering Technology (Jewellery)
- Masoumeh Hamidi - Certificate IV in Community Services Work
- Feng Han - Diploma of Children’s Services (Early Childhood Education and Care)
- Tahir Hashmi - Associate Degree in Accounting
- Pedmoi Hoi - ESL (Employment), Kitchen Operations, Certificate III Patisserie
- Lilly Jackson - Certificate IV in Liberal Arts
- Robert Jeges - Certificate III in Locksmithing
- Paul Mihovilovic - Diploma of Engineering Advanced Trade (Welding)
- James Paparousis - Advanced Diploma of Remedial Massage (Myotherapy)
- James Pasinski - Advanced Diploma of Business (Legal Practice)
- Caitlin Poduska - Diploma of Illustration
- Enio Pozzebon - Teacher - music performance courses
- Jinath Premadasa - Bachelor of Hospitality Management
- Vijayandra Rughoonundun - Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Belinda Smeal - Certificate IV in Business Administration
- Noah Ssekinalya - Advanced Diploma of Hospitality
- Ross Tunney - Certificate IV in Liberal Arts
- Kohei Yoda - Advanced Diploma of Business (International Business)
- Tracy Zhou - Student Mentor, overseas study with partner institution
- Graham Adams - Aged Care
- Tristan Barber - Certificate IV in Science
- Amanda Bennett - Information Technology
- Dean Best - Liberal Arts
- Brian Birch - Koorie Visual Arts
- Alexandra Bletsas - Engineering Technology (Jewellery)
- Marco Carusi - Bricklaying
- Troy Davis - Business and Human Resources
- Ellen Duffy - Photography
- Emilia Fernandes - English, Visual Arts, Illustration
- Lynda Fisher - Certificate IV in Science
- Aldoreyn Francisco - Business Studies (Marketing)
- Luke Ismail - Electrical Apprentice
- Mary Hackett - Engineering Technology (Jewellery)
- Calista Lyon - Photography
- Chris Massey - Engineering Technology (Jewellery)
- Tania McBride - Certificate IV in Science
- Graeme McConachy - Certificate IV in Science
- Kellet McDonell - Animal and Agricultural Science
- Fiona Morris - Certificate IV in Science
- Sam Mutch - Furnishing and Cabinetmaking
- Yen Ong - Horticulture, Landscape Design
- Jessica Pascoe - Equine Studies
- Nick Pearce - Furniture Design and Manufacture
- Deb Porter - Renewable Energy Technology
- Andrea Preusche - Certificate IV in Science
- Tom Robinson - Security Technology (Locksmithing)
- Shareena Sloan - Painting and Decorating
- Damian Spadaro - Remedial Massage (myotherapy)
- Tony Spizzica - Music and Performing Arts
- Ankica Susnjar - English language, Youth Education
- Daniel Svozil - Bachelor of Aquaculture
- Casey Trainor - VCAL, Pre-apprenticeship in Furnishing
- Nicole Waddell - Outstanding Student of the Year - Koorie at 2007 Victorian Training Awards
- Richard White - Agriculture
Kim Smith
From raising four kids as a stay-at-home-mum to coming to working within NMIT’s Marketing & Corporate Communications department, Kim has had an amazing and exciting journey – so far!
"I had fantastic teachers who mentored me throughout the 12 months of my Diploma. Not only were they knowledgeable and helpful in the classroom they were encouraging and inspiring when it came to my career goals."
- Kim Smith, .net Developer
Graham Adams
After a 40-year career as a truckie, a knee injury forced Graham Adams to quit driving and look for a new line of work. At an age where most people are thinking of retirement, Graham launched into training for a whole new career. "The teachers at NMIT were unendingly supportive in my training. I credit them with 99 percent of my achievements. I loved that the coursework was so diverse and so were the range of students."
- Graham Adams, Personal Care Attendant (PCA).
Omar (Bobby) Ali
“There were plenty of practical subjects in the diploma course. It helped in real life and we could apply it in our degree.”
- Omar (Bobby) Ali, Bachelor of Hospitality Management
Andria Aspris
“I love treating people and seeing how it changes their day-to-day activities.”
- Andria Aspris, Advanced Diploma of Remedial Massage (Myotherapy)
Tristan Barber
The staff at NMIT provided a positive atmosphere that encouraged students to do their best. Teachers were always available to help out and never before had I seen a group of teachers with such high conviction.
- Tristan Barber, Certificate IV of Science
Michael Barton
“It was everything I expected and probably more. The quality of the course was great and the teachers made all the difference.”
- Michael Barton, Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering
Sarah Bell
"I decided it was time to go back and study, to develop new skills and build on existing ones that I had obtained through a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Multimedia back in 2004," recalls Sarah Bell who came into the Advanced Diploma of Information Technology at NMIT as a mature age student.
Alycia Benincasa
“I love everything about keeping fit. And I want to try and educate young people about the importance of health and fitness.”
- Alycia Benincasa, Diploma of Sport Development
Amanda Bennett
Amanda discovered her knack for website design while working as an administration manager. NMIT helped Amanda Bennett to follow her passion and discover a new career in Information Technology.
- Amanda Bennett, Dual Diploma in E-Business and IT(Web Development)
Dean Best
After a seven year interval from leaving High School Dean Best returned to study. "The course at NMIT provided me the fundamental skill of ‘learning to learn’ that was missing when I left High School."
- Dean Best, Certificate IV in Liberal Arts student.
Kyle Bevans
“One of the characters said, ‘we need a locksmith to crack this safe’, and I thought that sounds like an interesting job.”
- Kyle Bevans, Certificate III in Locksmithing
NMIT Student Wins Indigenous Art Award
“I wasn't doing anything with my life and felt my life was not fulfilled and I was looking for something to fulfil me. I felt lost and because I used to be a good drawer I thought I'd give art a go. I had tried at another TAFE about five years before, but I was still caring for Laraine and it all got too much.”
Brian Birch, NMIT Koorie Studies student.
Kylie Brusaschi
When Kylie Brusaschi decided to study writing she was faced with a dilemma. The 32-year-old had always been passionate about the creative word, having written poetry for more than 15 years. "I wanted to do something practical and industry-based, something that would give me a good chance of getting a job," she says. "I also liked the idea of being part of this degree because it was new. When it grows and becomes something amazing in 10 years, I’d like to say I was part of that when it started."
Kylie Brusaschi - Bachelor of Writing and Publishing student
The Irony of Success
“It really is an irony; a surprise to me that I did this course when I look back at what I had thought while at uni.”
- Marco Carusi, former bricklaying apprentice from NMIT.
Ruchi Chandra
"It’s my ultimate dream to work with WHO. They need people who can work long hours in rural areas. There are many camps in areas where there are no clinics, so they need a lot of voluntary workers."
Ruchi_Chandra - Diploma of Community Welfare Work
Max Cherry
A teacher for more than 40 years, Max is always running into former students who work in the industry. "It’s my proudest achievement that everyone who works with me was once my student," he says. "It’s nice to know the students I had starting off are now leaders in the industry."
Max Cherry - teaches Security Technology courses
Na (Nina) Cui
“The course is not about the theory, it about the process and how to do the job, which is great.”
- Na Cui, Diploma of Accounting
Cameron Dale
"The course is very job-orientated compared to others that I looked at. The bosses here like students from NMIT because they know they’ve got the industry skills."
Cameron Dale - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
Karina Davis
“Children benefit from working with educators who are more attuned to transition needs.”
- Karina Davis, Head of Program, Bachelor of Education (Early Years)
Troy Davis
"The courses I completed were a great kick-start for me. I was able to go on and complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Careers Education & Development and a Post Graduate Certificate in Industrial Relations. I managed to gain employment as a Human Resource Officer at NMIT then moved in to a HR Coordinator role."
- Troy Davis, Human Resources Co-ordinator
Hayden Dewar
“The course made me realise what’s possible. It’s broadened the vision I had for myself.”
- Hayden Dewar, Bachelor of Illustration
Rebecca Dynon
"The teachers at NMIT have been an amazing support. They’re on the ball and really up to date on turf. Plus they make the course interesting and fun to learn. The theory content is spot-on and we do a lot of practical hands-on work."
Rebecca Dynon - Certificate III in Horticulture (Turf) and Diploma of Horticulture (Turf)
Emilia Fernandes
Arriving from Portugal in 1987 with her husband and young son without any English, Emilia Fernandes enrolled in an english language course at NMIT in 1989. She has continued studying at NMIT completing a Diploma of Visual Art, Advanced Diploma Arts Management (First Year), and is presently enrolled in the Diploma of Illustration 2009. "Trying to learn English from my husband was too hard – he was a stickler! So I enrolled at NMIT because it was close to my home," recalled Emilia
- Emilia Fernandes, Diploma of Illustration student.
Georgia Fields
"I would recommend the course to any musician who is keen to expand their skills in areas like performance, theory, arrangement and music culture. Plus the teachers are really supportive."
Georgia Fields - Bachelor of Australian Popular Music
Amy Findlay
It’s been a wild ride for Amy Findlay, NMIT graduate and lead singer of Stonefield. After completing the Bachelor of Australian Popular Music in 2010 and winning the Triple J Unearthed High competition, Amy has played at the biggest music festival in the world and will soon be starting their first national tour.
Amy Findlay - Bachelor of Australian Popular Music
Lynda Fisher
I was always interested in science at school, but unfortunately did not get the support I needed from my teachers. I left half way through year 12 for full time employment. After working for a couple more years I moved to Melbourne and completed a Cert 1 in Aged Care. I was offered a traineeship which I declined due to change of mind and decided I wanted to study again.
- Lynda Fisher, Certificate IV of Science
Josh Flannery-Kile
“It was a job that really appealed to me. It’s not your normal thing, it’s a necessity. People have to eat.”
- Josh Flannery-Kile, Certificate III in Meat Processing
Aldoreyn Francisco
After leaving a degree course at another institution and spending almost two years in full-time employment, Aldoreyn surprised his family with news that he was enrolled in NMIT’s Faculty of Business.
- Aldoreyn Fransisco, NMIT Advanced Diploma of Business (Marketing) student.
Sharyn Frantz
“This is the first job I’ve had where I don’t look at the clock to see how long is left in the day.”
- Sharyn Frantz, Certificate III in Hospitality (Patisserie)
Mary Hackett
Mary, who graduated from NMIT’s Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Jewellery) in 2009, has been a jeweller and metalsmith for 20 years. But after taking time out to raise the couple’s three children, Mary felt she needed to update her skills. “Without NMIT I believe it would have been a lot harder to catch up,” she says. "It's a lovely place to be and a beautiful school. The course helped me focus on where I wanted to push my work and which part of jewellery and silversmithing I wanted to pursue."
- Mary Hackett, Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Jewellery)
Suzette Hall
“I think the course offers students the chance to see where they really want to go and tailor their degree to suit.”
- Suzette Hall, Bachelor of Equine Studies
Masoumeh Hamidi
After previously completing a Diploma in Business at NMIT, Masoumeh felt comfortable enrolling in another course here. "The teachers are very available to students. I know how the system works now." Working as a casual in the student Services Department means she’s very involved in campus life, having organised events and activities like barbeques and tea parties for new students.
Masoumeh Hamidi - Certificate IV in Community Services Work
Feng Han
Han was enrolled in Cert III ESL Employment for Childcare in 2008. The ESL course assisted her to access and complete Cert III Child Studies in 2009 and progress to further Childcare studies (Diploma) in 2010. As part of the course, Han completed placements at local childcare centres ABC Learning and Wood Street Childcare Centre. She says the teachers at NMIT were a great support. "They gave us a lot of knowledge and organised a lot of activities for us. I was able to learn a lot of practical skills like first aid. They made the course interesting and enjoyable and encouraged us to be more confident."
Feng Han - Diploma of Children’s Services (Early Childhood Education and Care)
Tahir Hashmi
"I enjoyed the whole course. The teachers were very helpful and people were friendly. This encouraged me to work harder. Accounting is like a language. Once you understand the concepts you enjoy it. These concepts were explained to us very clearly early on and having this foundation made things easier in the later stages of the course."
Tahir_Hashmi - Associate Degree in Accounting
Rachael Head
“NMIT really gave me the knowledge and confidence to begin a career in the music industry. It was a great transition.”
- Rachael Head, Advanced Diploma of Music Performance (Jazz and Contemporary)
Sarah Heyward
“It was really good to work in an environment where they fostered artistic development and technical ability.”
- Sarah Heyward, Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology - Jewellery
Pedmoi Hoi
"Along with studying the theory we also learned a lot about communicating with people while working in a restaurant. What I learned about cooking was also important because I want to be a chef."
Pedmoi "Mimi" Hoi - Certificate III in ESL (Employment) – English for Hospitality / Certificate II in Kitchen Operations, Certificate III Patisserie
Ben Hokin
“I always wanted to work in research with new technology and I’m doing that now but with algae instead of fish.”
- Ben Hokin, Bachelor of Aquaculture
Third Award for Local Apprentice
“I was shocked to win the first award... but this third one is a bit surreal... I thank the NMIT teachers for the time and the effort they had put in to help me understand the material I was learning.”
- Luke Ismail, NMIT electrical apprentice student.
Robert Jeges
Part way through a degree in computer science, Robert Jeges realised a career in IT wasn’t for him. "I realised it wasn’t where my passion was." A few months of soul-searching later, Jeges decided he wanted to learn a trade. "It’s the hands-on aspect and you’re doing something much more tangible. I felt it was a better service to the community."
Robert Jeges - Certificate III in Locksmithing
Mat Johnson
“I started labouring for a landscape gardener, doing some paving work, and I just fell in love with it.”
- Mat Johnson, Certificate III in General Construction (Bricklaying/Blocklaying)
Simon Jones
“It was as close as we could get to real world experience. The skills I learned have really helped me in my job now.”
- Simon Jones, Advanced Diploma of Information Technology (Systems Process and Improvement)
Luke Kalms
“It was too late to apply for a university place and I wanted another route that would make it easier to get a job.”
- Luke Kalms, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Jack Levitt
“Everything happens quickly. You can create a television show in the studio in a day.”
- Jack Levitt, Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
NMIT Student Wins National Photography Award
“I am really happy to win the award as I'm satisfied that my dedication and hard work has paid off. It's pretty exciting and it's a great stepping stone for my career as it means that my work has been recognised for its high level in the professional photography industry.”
- Calista Lyon, Diploma of Arts (Applied Photography) student at NMIT
Richelle Magro
“On this job you can see what you’ve achieved at the end of the day. You look back and think, I’ve done that and it looks good.”
- Richelle Magro, Certificate III in General Construction (Painting and Decorating)
Sheena Mason
“I had no experience to start with and now I would be quite comfortable working on a farm.”
- Sheena Mason, Diploma of Agriculture
Chris Massey
The journey to NMIT for Chris Massey came via working for Christie’s in New York and self-employment as an Interior Designer in Los Angeles, but after a short visit to Australia, he left his heart in Melbourne. "The Advanced Diploma has an excellent reputation within the jewellery making industry."
- Chris Massey, NMIT Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Jewellery) student.
Wazana Maza
“It’s taught me how to be a good leader. This course has helped me to grow.”
- Wazana Maza, Advanced Diploma in Tourism
Tania McBride
"My experience at NMIT was very positive. I found the staff to be very supportive and passionate teachers. The course structure and workload prepared me for university in a way I could not have anticipated. Given the chance I would have completed my entire degree at NMIT."
- Tania McBride, Graduate of Certificate IV in Science, now in 4th year at Monash University studying Astrophysics
Graeme McConachy
"I am currently in my 3rd and final year of my nursing degree, whilst many of my fellow nursing students have struggled with the science aspects of the nursing degree I have been able to build on the solid base I gained from NMIT and further my knowledge with greater ease than many other students."
- Graeme McConachy, Graduate of Certificate IV in Science
Winning Ways With Cattle at the Show
“I was careful to stay aware of my role all the time and ensured I was holding the reins firmly. It was really a performance for me and I just tried to remember all the skills I had been taught at NMIT.”
- Kellet McDonell, NMIT Animal and Agricultural Science student.
Paul Mihovilovic
"The course was really valuable and I would recommend it, not just to a boilermaker who wants to become a welding supervisor, but also to a design draftsman or engineer. When I applied for the course I was a designer and inspector. This course hasn’t just made me more competent in welding - it’s made me a better designer."
Paul Mihovilovic - Diploma of Engineering Advanced Trade (Welding)
Salma Mohamed
"I believe without the motivation and the encouragement of my very caring and passionate teachers at NMIT I wouldn’t have come this far. Bridging science at NMIT can make a difference in your life as it did to my life. It is never too late to achieve your dreams/goal."
- Salma Mohamed, studying Medical Radiations (Nuclear Medicine) at RMIT in 2011
Gabriel Monier
“It’s not until you leave the vineyard that you realise how much it’s a part of your life. It’s what I love and it’s a passion.”
- Gabriel Monier, Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking
Fiona Morris
"I found out that my VCE was considered obsolete after ten years and that I would need to sit it again (two years), or sit a Certificate IV in Sciences (one year). NMIT was one of only two TAFE colleges I could find in Victoria that offered this certificate and so I immediately enrolled."
- Fiona Morris, Certificate IV in Science graduate.
Victorian Award for Local Apprentice
Sam Mutch has beaten more than 200 pre-apprentices from Victoria to win the 2007 Victorian Furnishing Industry Certificate II in Furnishing Pre-Apprenticeship Cabinet Making Award.
Yen Ong
Encouraged by a lecturer, Yen Ong entered the Flemings Design Competition at the Melbourne International Garden and Flower Show ... and won first prize. "I am fascinated by the area of sustainability and the environmental impact of everything we do, so I was passionate about this project. My design, A Tale of Two Gardens – Carbon Offsetting Versus Carbon Reduction was all about the practical solutions to an evolving issue."
- Yen Ong, Diploma of Horticulture, Certificate IV in Applied Design (Landscape)
Lukas Page
“I love working with my hands. It’s very satisfying to look up and see what you’ve created at the end of a day’s work.”
- Lukas Page, Certificate III in Off-site Construction (Joinery/Timber/Aluminium/Glass)
Kobe Pallis
“I relished the opportunity to hone my skills and continue to learn more about ever-changing photographic developments in process, equipment and the editing software.”
- Kobe Pallis, Diploma of Photoimaging
James Paparousis
"The good thing about the massage course at NMIT is the hands-on work. We have a student clinic and on a weekly basis you’re massaging at least three or four people. We’re lucky we get to balance our theory and practice at an early stage."
James Paparousis - Advanced Diploma of Remedial Massage (Myotherapy)
Jessica Pascoe
Jessica didn’t believe she could turn her passion for horses into her career until she discovered the Bachelor of Equine Studies at NMIT. Further study will be made all the easier by an $8000 NMIT Faculty of Earth Sciences Study Grant awarded to Jessica during her final year in recognition of her outstanding performance during her course.
- Jessica Pascoe, Graduate of NMIT Bachelor of Equine studies, 2008
James Pasinski
"I knew I wouldn’t get into law at LaTrobe so I’m taking the longer route. The NMIT course description fitted in with everything I wanted to study. There were a lot of law subjects and there was a focus on the practical side of things."
James Pasinski - Advanced Diploma of Business (Legal Practice)
Design Award for Local Resident
Nick Pearce returned to study at NMIT to start a career in furniture design and manufacturing.
June (Thi Hoa) Phu
“I enjoyed the computer classes the most and the conference management component. Now I think everything is possible.”
- June (Thi Hoa) Phu, Diploma of Business Administration and Associate Degree in International Business Management
Caitlin Poduska
"The teachers try and make it as real as possible for you, so that it’s the same as what you experience in the industry. It’s very hands-on and at times it can be really intense. The good thing is when you come out of the course you know you’re going to have a folio you can show prospective clients, and it will be quality."
Caitlin Poduska - Diploma of Illustration
Deb Porter
"I have been impressed by the specialist knowledge of the teaching staff and their willingness to share their expertise."
- Deb Porter, Certificate IV in Renewable Energy Technology student.
Enio Pozzebon
To maintain NMIT’s links with industry and encourage professional development, Enio combines his teaching career with writing and recording music for TV and theatre. Recently he’s been involved with producing music for upcoming ABC comedy Lowdown, along with Casey Bennetto who composed Keating the Musical.
Enio Pozzebon - teaches Music Performance courses
Jinath Premadasa
"The degree covers the practical side of hospitality operations with topics like food and beverage, accommodation and event management, but it also provides general management skills such as human resources management, marketing and finance, so it opens up other career possibilities,"
Jinath Premadasa - Bachelor of Hospitality Management
Andrea Preusche
"The year I spent with NMIT enabled the fundamentals to be covered in detail, My full appreciation of this wasn't realized until I got to university and saw that what had taken a week for me to understand at NMIT we would blitz though in a 1 hour tute at university."
- Andrea Preusche, Certificate IV in Science, now studying Veterinary Science at University
Tom Robinson
Tom from Bairnsdale in regional Victoria enrolled in NMIT’s Security Technology course because "Everyone in this industry knows it offers the best professional training in the country. During my study, people had come from all over Australia, New Zealand and Asia to participate in the course."
- Tom Robinson, Master Locksmith
Monika Roberts
“We talk a lot about authors that inspire you and how you take inspiration from them and use it to inform your work.”
- Monika Roberts, Bachelor of Writing and Publishing
Vijayandra Rughoonundun
"When I go back to my country I’m going to use all the things that I’ve learned to get a better job. I would have been able to get the same qualification at home, but the technology would not be the same. That’s why I prefer it here. In the electrical field if you don’t have enough practical experience you’re not going to improve."
Vijayandra Rughoonundun - Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering
Abdelnour Nour Saade
“I thought the sustainability subjects looked interesting. It’s a great idea to include this in the degree.”
- Abdelnour Nour Saade, Bachelor of Accounting
Award Accolades Keep Flowing
“The awards never really sink in. I'm very excited about them, but it doesn't always seem real. It's pretty scary and there'll be a lot of pressure but I don't think I'll ever get the chance to do this again.”
- Shareena Sloan, painting and decorating apprentice at NMIT.
Belinda Smeal
Belinda says the NMIT courses were more valuable than previous training she completed. "I did a medical receptionist course a few years back. But a course alone won’t help you. You need the experience as well. The NMIT course was more industry relevant and practical," she says.
Belinda Smeal - Certificate IV in Business Administration
Damian Spadaro
After partly completing a course in natural medicine with another institution Damian Spadaro realised that it was not right for him. "It wasn’t until I found NMIT and was introduced to the teachers and resources that it started to feel right again," Damian remembers. "NMIT is so different to the other place I tried, it’s a better environment for learning and I am so much happier here."
- Damian Spadaro, Advanced Diploma in Remedial Massage (myotherapy) (2nd Year) student.
Tony Spizzica
"The course is put together so well, it dovetails the creative aspects with the business management side of the music industry and has given me the technical tools to add to my skills." Tony explains "It’s not just about learning to play an instrument, it’s a comprehensively holistic approach,"
- Tony Spizzica, Bachelor of Australian Popular Music (3rd Year) student
Noah Ssekinalya
Working in the hospitality industry is like getting a new education every day, he says. "I like it because you always meet new faces with different ideas and opinions to your own. You’re always learning along the way. But you’re dealing with people so it’s always challenging too."
Noah Ssekinalya - Advanced Diploma of Hospitality
Ankica Susnjar
When Ankica Susnjar arrived in Australia with her family seven years ago she spoke no English and knew no one in Melbourne. Her family had been relocated by the United Nations from Serbia as refugees of war. "Coming to Australia and learning English at NMIT widened my opportunities and gave me the confidence to follow my dream of becoming a Nurse".
- Ankica Susnjar, NMIT Academic English Program for Young Adults (AEPYA), Youth Unit, Faculty of Education student.
Daniel Svozil - The World is his Oyster
When Daniel Svozil was in the final stages of his secondary schooling, he had a fair idea of what career path he wanted to embark on, but it was one that his careers teacher was not terribly keen on. "This is one of the best decisions that I have ever made," he says when asked about his thoughts on undertaking the Applied Aquaculture Degree Program at NMIT’s Epping campus.
- Daniel Svozil, Bachelor of Applied Aquaculture Degree student.
Casey Trainor
After completing Year 10 at secondary school, Casey Trainor wasn’t completely sure about where he wanted to head in life. "I was tossing up between making guitars and joining the army," recalls Casey. "But I decided that I wanted to get an apprenticeship before I joined the army so I had something to fall back on."
- Casey Trainor, Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) program and Pre-apprenticeship (Certificate II) in Furnishing student
Ross Tunney
Introducing Ross Tunney. He had been working as a carpenter for years before he came to NMIT. The Liberal Arts course instilled a passion for academic study which is really taking him places today! Connect with Ross on the NMIT Liberal Arts Facebook page
Veljko Vasiljevic
“It’s such a broad trade. I can specialise in at least a dozen different things and that gives you a lot of options.”
- Veljko Vasiljevic, Certificate III in Horticulture (Landscape) and Certificate IV in Applied Design (Landscape)
Kara Volau
“My last job was just a job. But this is something I’m really enjoying.”
- Kara Volau, Certificate III in Aged Care
Henry Von Doussa
“It allowed me to really get my horse handling skills up to scratch and learn much more about the industry.”
- Henry Von Doussa, Diploma of Equine Stud Management
Study Reaps it's Reward at NMIT
“...I feel really grateful and it was wonderful to study with Indigenous people who I could share my experiences with at NMIT. The award is very exciting and I am very proud of myself. I also feel more confident and believe in myself in a way I never have.”
- Nicole Waddell , 2007 Outstanding Student of the Year (Koorie) at the Victorian Training Award.
Kathryn Wadsworth
“I’ve definitely made the right decision. It’s amazing when you enjoy something how good your marks are.”
- Kathryn Wadsworth, Certificate IV in Hairdressing
Eliza White
“The course is broadening my understanding of what you can do within agriculture. It’s a really good course.”
- Eliza White, Bachelor of Agriculture and Land Management
Scholarship Win for Local Student
“I certainly didn’t expect to win the scholarship and it was exciting when I got the call to say I’d won. The scholarship supports the grassroots of the agricultural industry and the money will go towards operating costs of the farm which I run with my father, Rod.”
- Richard White, NMIT Agriculture student.
Kat Winduss
"Through the magic of Google, I discovered NMIT’s Certificate IV in Science. It seemed like a great way to get back into study and to see if I would enjoy studying something as structured as science. It turns out that I love it!"
- Kat Winduss, Certificate IV in Science
Nathan Woods
“After high school I didn’t think I would ever make it to university. But the whole experience at NMIT opened so many doorways for me.”
- Nathan Woods, Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
Kohei Yoda
Yoda, who completed an Economics degree in Japan, said he sometimes had trouble with assignments so the teachers gave him extra help. "Some of the teachers were very helpful. They have a lot of professional knowledge and one of them runs his own business."
Kohei Yoda - Advanced Diploma of Business (International Business)
Tracy Zhou
Tracy Zhou first heard of NMIT while she was studying finance at Shang Dong Economic University in northern China. "The advantage with NMIT and the reason a lot of students choose to come here, is the individual attention they receive," says Tracy. "I can understand the student’s trouble and help them straight away."
Tracy Zhou - Student Mentor
