Meet the Staff
Nalphky Lim
Information Technology Teacher
Combining theory with practical exercises, drawing on his professional experiences and using case studies to explain real life scenarios is how Nalphky approaches teaching.
With over 15 years of IT Consultancy experience and 7 years teaching experience, there is much that students can learn from him.
Nalphky introduces 'Goal Setting' to his students so they have a clear picture of their studies and what they would like to become in the workplace.
Although IT is a technical subject, this is just one part of the career development process: "I teach the students the essential IT workplace skills (Professional Development) so they understand the other skills needed in the industry. For example, communication, team work, how to read body language, listening skills, telephone technique and etc..."
And on Martin College...
"It’s a good pathway and shorter time to advance to higher education like Charles Stuart University to obtain Degree and/or Master qualifications."
Do you keep in contact with your students?
"Yes. I have even employed some of my best graduate students and introduced them to the workplace where I have many associated business partners."
Simon Roadie
Business Teacher
Simon might have panicked the first time he stood up in front of a class to teach, until he realised that his 'real life' experience in business gave him the ammunition to successfully teach budding business people.
With over 30 years of professional experience, Simon is able to introduce real life business situations into the subjects he teaches.
In the classroom...
"As it is workplace learning I endeavor to involve learners in simulated workplace situations where applicable, to enhance their employability. I get great feedback from my students. They seem to enjoy my classes and my approach."
"I love communicating and I really like people, which is a big help in a classroom full of individuals with differing needs and cultures. I enjoy my work. It is also a help to be currently involved in marketing and management."
"...a little enthusiasm in the classroom helps learners to both enjoy classes and the subject matter. I treat all students as adult learners and afford them the respect they deserve."
On Martin College...
"This is the best college I have ever worked in. The atmosphere is positively charged. The level of students is predominantly high and their work ethic is good."
Careers advice...
"A career in marketing or management offers much, depending on the specific area. My recruitment experience allows me to advise jobseeking students to create powerful CV’s and personal profiles and market themselves dynamically – not just apply mechanically for jobs online. Communicating personality is vital as well as a pro-active approach to career development. Memberships of professional bodies (AIM/AIM are important too for the industry information as well as networking opportunities. They should embrace new media/tech areas such as social networking as it has transformed industries and methods of communication."
Interesting teaching experience...
"In one of my classes I had a Columbian student whose family runs an agricultural distribution business. My brother in law is managing director of a global agricultural company. Because of that I was able to connect the two."
Philip Dowling
Business Teacher
In the classroom…
Philip uses real life examples drawn from 30 years of sales, marketing and senior management experience across several industries. He has been teaching Diploma to Advanced Diploma level since 2006, specialising in marketing and business management.
"I Provide students with real examples and prepare them for the real business environment."
Philip’s top tip for students…
"It is essential to learn about management and business. Anyone can become an effective leader/ manager provided they learn the basic skills and then apply them in business – Knowledge is power." He also advises students to aim high in their future careers, ultimately progressing to senior management positions or managing their own businesses.
And what can Martin College offer students…
"It’s the best college in the private sector, with opportunities to move onto university on completion of the Advanced Diploma."
Graham McHugh
Business Teacher
Graham’s professional career includes 30 years in exports and 7 years as a management consultant. He has been with Martin College for 7 years. What he likes most about working at Martin College is the opportunity to teach and to undertake course development.
His approach to teaching...
“I Try to engage the interest of students by anchoring the content to real life situations.”
And some advice from Graham...
“Management and international business are the basis for work in a globalised marketplace”
“Students usually look for a career in international business and while many companies in Queensland are small, there are some major multinational firms located here and there are opportunities in freight forwarding, banks and many students come from countries with export oriented industries.“
Dellwynne Harkess
Business, Travel and Tourism Teacher
From New Zealand, to Europe, South America and Australia – Dellwynne brings over 20 years experience to the classroom, having worked in a range of areas in the travel industry.
"What I most enjoy about teaching vocational courses is the relevance of merging my own experience with the ever-changing industry so that we are each learning in a very hands-on approach."
"[In the classroom] a sense of humour (sensitively executed) not only breaks down some barriers but gives the students a sense of who we are. Participation is an important part of the engagement and trust process and makes for a much livelier class and incidental learning"
Advice to travel students...
Be prepared to experience and participate!
And a career in the industry…
"Travel and Tourism knows no boundaries. In its many incarnations it offers a myriad of opportunities for employment – worldwide. It is also an uplifting workplace as your customers are usually buying an enjoyable product."
Why students should come to Martin College…
"Because it offers good quality facilities with a well recognised Diploma. It also offers a chance to mix, meet and make long lasting friendships with students from varied backgrounds."
Melissa Lutton
Graphic Design Teacher
Melissa has 15 years experience in training within the workplace, specifically Graphic Design for newspaper production.
“I like to make sure students understand real life issues, not just the theory. I like to make the classroom an area for discussion, to generate ideas and for students to investigate creative solutions to design issues”
Melissa’s advice for students…
“Start looking around you for inspiration. Visual communication (good and bad) is everywhere. The sooner you start to critically analyse the messages you see, the easier it will be for you to create eye catching designs that are aesthetically pleasing and are functional. Good design is not just about creative talent.”
“Graphic design is an amazing career path that is only limited by your imagination. It is a growing industry with so many different specialities. The other fantastic option is the ability for you to work as a freelance designer so you can set your own hours and your own terms. However you must be disciplined and constantly learning new techniques, ideas and programs. “
On learning Graphic Design...
“Graphic Design is a very practical subject with a lot of hands on learning. The different teachers provide students with a great range of experiences all based on professional knowledge.”
Finally a word about Martin College Brisbane…
“It has a great city location and the class sizes (especially in Graphic Design) are mostly small so you get great one to one interaction.”
Anne Skippington
Business Teacher
Anne’s work involves teaching introductory subjects to business students.
Her golden nugget of advice is that "students take responsibility for any business documents that they produce, and that proofreading is an art which they need to develop."
Anne has been with Martin College for 10 years. Her fields of expertise are in office and campus management and customer service. Anne is also a professionally qualified teacher with 25 years experience.
She says "I value the individuality of each student and build on their past experiences to help develop a sense of belonging to Martin College. I can learn from all the students that I meet during the course of my day."
Tamara Al-Kubaisy
Graphic Design Teacher
Tamara has taught graphic design at Martin College for 3 years. Her top tips for students – do your research and be passionate about your study choices.
"Always research the graphic design market, assess areas of interest and the skills required to gain suitable employment."
"I encourage students and tell them – whatever course of study you undertake, with hard work and dedication you will achieve your dreams."
About teaching...
"My approach is always based on creating a positive learning environment. I also try to highlight the things that each student does well, for example participation or achievement in class. I believe that fosters a more positive attitude and give students a sense of independence."
"A teacher should encourage student development for critical thinking, problem solving and skills, rather than just focusing on finishing tasks and grades."
What can Martin College offer students...
"…it offers a friendly, multicultural and supportive environment for everyone. It prepares students for the work place by providing theory and practical skills, which meet industry requirements and build the foundation they need for further studies."
Like all teachers at Martin, Tamara’s background includes industry and teaching experience…
"I have 3 years teaching experience which includes desktop publishing, multimedia, website design and developing resources and materials. I also have 4 years of graphic design industrial experience as well as working freelance in both multimedia and advertising."
Tamara is currently studying a Masters in Digital Media. Her qualifications include: Postgraduate Diploma in education; Postgraduate Diploma in Consumer and Applied Science major - Design studies; Bachelor in fine Art; Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training; Certificate in Website Design and Multimedia.
