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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Kobe Pallis
It´s been a huge year for NMIT Diploma of Photoimaging student, Kobe Pallis. In April she won Student Portrait Photographer of the Year at the Victorian division of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) Awards including Winner of the Highest Scoring Student Portrait Print. She then followed up with two Gold and one Silver awards for her prints at the Canon AIPP (Australian Institute of Photography) Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPA) – a brilliant achievement given that approximately 3000 prints were judged and only 29 Gold awards were awarded.
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).
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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)
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
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
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.
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)
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)
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
