Mark Costello
Managing Director
Mark Costello is a highly accomplished education professional with a proven track record in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. As a key figure at Asset College, he has played an instrumental role in the organisation’s success, earning it a reputation for delivering high-quality courses that equip students with the skills they need to excel in their chosen fields.
Mark has worked in the VET Sector since 2004 across many different fields with particular focus on Security, Safety, Risk Management and Leadership. Mark founded Asset Training Australia in 2006 initially working in partnership with other RTO’s and then gaining initial RTO registration in 2008. Asset Training Australia / Asset College now delivers over 70 qualifications Australia wide and engages several partners in their fields of expertise.
Prior to this business, Mark worked as an Operations Manager and Business Development Manager in the Security Industry. He is also a former Infantry Soldier in the Australian Army and has worked as a volunteer with various youth development programs over the past 15 years.
Mark has been involved in advisory roles across various key Government and Industry Groups including Department of Home Affairs (Aviation and Maritime Security), QLD Police and QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads. Artibus Innnovation, Australian Industry Standards and PWC Skills for Australia, with a goal of ensuring that industry licensing requirements and licensed training programs meet industry needs.
In his time at Asset College, Mark has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence. As a key player in the development and implementation of new courses and programs, he has contributed to the growth and diversification of the college’s offerings. Mark has been integral in fostering relationships with industry partners, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and up-to-date with current industry demands.
With a strong background in leadership and management, Mark has successfully bridged the gap between education and business to create positive outcomes for students and stakeholders alike.
Mark holds holds a Masters of Business Administration, is a CPP with ASIS International and has multiple post-graduate qualifications in Adult Learning and Community Sector Management.
Under Mark’s guidance, Asset College has garnered numerous accolades, including recognition for its commitment to quality training and student outcomes. His dedication to continuous improvement is evident in the college’s consistently high completion rates and positive feedback from both students and employers.
Mark Costello’s dedication to excellence in education has made him an invaluable asset to the VET sector as a whole. His unwavering commitment to student success, industry collaboration, and continuous improvement has positioned Asset College as a leader in vocational education and training.
Samantha Bourke
Human Resources Manager / Trainer and Assessor
Philippa Austin
Quality Assurance Manager
Renee Davies
Customer Service Manager
Brooke Shellback
Marketing & Communications Manager / Trainer and Assessor
Henry Winzar
RPL Manager
Henry is the RPL Facilitator for Asset College. After having a significant history as a Paramedic, Educator and Manager in the Queensland Ambulance Service, Henry became a Director of Atlas Medical. Atlas Medical is now a proud member of the Risk2Solution (R2S) group of companies. This has seen Henry move to Operations Director of Risk2Solution.
Henry will be using his extensive experience in educating diverse groups of people to provide exceptional customer service and advice to Recognition of Prior Learning candidates from Certificate II right up to Graduate Diploma level qualifications with ASSET.
Henry is the point of contact for all things RPL!
Kim Baruzza
Business Relationship Manager / Trainer and Assessor
Kim Baruzza is working with our head office team at North Lakes managing our franchises and training partners. She is also a Trainer and Assessor.
Kim has worked in the vocational education sector for 10 years in administration and training of security and business. She along with her husband Paul, ran the Sunshine Coast Asset College franchise before deciding to try their hand at real estate for a couple of years also!
Kim holds a Diploma of Security and Risk Management, Real Estate Licence, Certificate IV in Frontline Management, Certificate IV in Small Business Management, Certificate III in Business Administration, Certificate IV in Bookkeeping and a Certificate III in Security Operations.
Kate Woo
Training Coordinator
Kate is our Training Coordinator located at our North Lakes office.
The past 12 years Kate has spent in Human Resources and Compliance roles across Education and Training sectors. Her passion in these areas stems from her love for implementing growth and positive change, not only within an organisation but for the team and students individually. Her vision is to create an environment in which lifelong learning is implemented.
Kate holds a Certificate IV in Business Administration and is currently completing her Certificate IV Training and Assessment.
Emily Benson
Customer Service Officer
Allison Gillespie
Customer Service Officer
Allison Gillespie is a Course Advisor working from our Gold Coast office.
Ally is an experienced RTO professional having worked for a number of organisations throughout her career. She has had experience working with a number of funded programs including Skilling Queenslanders for Work, helping students to change careers, upskill or find their next role.
Ally holds a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management and a Certificate III in Retail.
Ally loves a challenge with rewarding outcomes and always looks forward to each day she gets to help students challenge themselves.
Amanda Robertson
Customer Service Officer
Amanda has been in the in the promotional product industry with Peak Marketing for over a decade as a helper in the quality control department before working her way up to Warehouse Supervisor and Production Manager.
After 13 years in this business, she joined Domino’s Pizza Enterprises in the corporate office as Service Administrator. Her role consisted of planning, scheduling, warranty and project coordination for new and refurbished stores. During her time with Domino’s she continued to upskill in different departments and attained more and more qualifications as she went.
The next step in Amanda’s career was to move into the engineering industry as a Customer Service and then Purchasing Officer for warehouses throughout Australia.
Amanda is now a Customer Service Officer with Asset College working out of our North Lakes campus. She aims to provide excellent customer service to her clients and hopes to be the main point of contact that others can rely on!
Amanda holds a Certificate III in Business.
Elise Ledger
Customer Service Officer (Trainee)
Elise Ledger is a Customer Service Officer (Trainee) at our Logan Central office. She has returned to the workforce after being a full-time mum and studying her business administration certificate.
Elise is excited to continue on with further administrative study and working with the ASSET team.
Everyday she looks forward to helping others with starting their careers!
Julie Stewart
Client Relationship Officer
Julie is a Client Relationship Officer for Asset College. She has recently relocated from Thargomindah, a small town in southwest Queensland, about 1100 km from Brisbane. It was a big move, especially with her two daughters—Bonnie, who is 18 and just completed her schooling, and Charlize, who is 12 and starting Grade 8 this year.
In Thargomindah, she worked as the Human Resources and Training Officer for Bulloo Shire Council, managing HR functions for a team of 70 employees. She made the move back to Brisbane primarily to support Bonnie as she begins her career journey, and it was a challenging adjustment having both children in boarding school.
She recently completed a Return-to-Work Coordinator certification as part of her HR role with the Council. Now, she is excited to further her career and gain additional experience in the training sector, which is why she is looking forward to her role as Client Relationship Officer with Asset College.
Julie is eager to contribute to the team and help build strong relationships with clients, as well as bring her expertise to enhance training initiatives.
Lala Lorion
Web Developer and Graphic Designer
Lady Love (Lala) is a website developer and multimedia specialist with experience in designing and developing websites, creating graphics, and 3D virtual tours. She is also experienced in the use of 360° Matterport cameras to create immersive virtual tours.
Lala holds an overseas Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, assessed as equivalent to an AQF Diploma in Australia. She is looking to improve her skills by pursuing either a Master’s degree or expanding her expertise in web development and graphic design. She is also interested in exploring cyber security, broadening her technical knowledge to stay ahead in the evolving digital landscape.
Lala hopes to use and refine her skills to support Asset College in meeting our digital needs, providing a strong online presence, and promoting the company’s services through high-quality content.
Ian Hodgson
Trainer and Assessor
Ian Hodgson started his security career as a doorman in local clubs and pubs in northern NSW at 19 years of age. He continued this during a military career as an Armoured Crew Commander. Ian went thought the ranks qualifying as a Sergeant and operating as a Section Commander, Instructor in Communications, Gunnery and Driver Servicing prior to leaving the defence force.
During his military career the emphasis at the time was on low level operations such as, asset protection, vehicle/ VIP protection and escorts, cordon and search as well as serving overseas.
This training later transferred over easily into the civilian security world with many years in a variety of roles including;
This back ground lead Ian naturally into training where he loves to impart knowledge to new and upcoming personnel with a wealth of real world experience and practises to draw on during both class theory and practical applications. All up, Ian has had 28 years experience in security and is well equipped to assist our students.
Andy Lowen
Trainer and Assessor
Andy has over 30 years’ experience in the security, justice & immigration and hospitality sectors across Europe, Africa and Australia, including over 12 years in general management and national leadership roles.
Andy has trained in many environments requiring a broad skill set and knowledge of vocational education requirements. His security experience started as night club security in the United Kingdom where he also worked in static guarding, mobile patrols and K9 security. Other security experience includes cash-in-transit, crowd control, corporate concierge, gate access control and more recently in detention and corrective services.
Andy continues to learn everyday through keeping his operational experience current and maintaining his personal and professional development profile. He finds working in the training space extremely rewarding and enjoys the student interaction and mentoring aspects of the role.
Andy holds a Diploma in Training Design and Development and qualifications in Security Operations, First Aid, Workplace Health & Safety, Hospitality, Immigration Detention Services, Corrective Practices and Firearms.
Gregory Hanckel
Trainer and Assessor
Greg is a Security Trainer and Assessor at Asset College. He has over 25 years of law enforcement and security operations experience. He first served in the New Zealand Police force for 10 years before moving into private security operations.
During his international security operations career he has executed tactical operations, investigations, intelligence, close personal protection of prominent international dignitaries and government officials plus had frontline hands on experience in both the public and private sectors.
Greg believes that situational awareness and an agile approach to security operations is essential for the correct execution of operations at every level. Etiquette, discretion, proficiency and professionalism are the cornerstone requirements of an effective operative.
Greg is passionate about proper protocols, quality instruction, accurate drills, the right mindset and ensuring professional and maintaining high levels of interpersonal skills at all times.
Michelle Bowker
Trainer and Assessor
My Name is Michelle Bowker and I am proud to be a trainer for Asset College. I am passionate about First Aid and Security and ensuring our students receive the best possible training to help them move forward with their careers. I started my career as a EMT for an NGO and moved on to work as a field medic for the UN.
Currently I am involved with training for QFES and running security and medical response for Private companies. I am qualified in all levels of First Aid, EMT, Ambulance Officer, Security and Risk as well as Fire and Rescue.
Rebecca Hanckel
Trainer and Assessor (Security)
Rebecca has been a Trainer and Assessor for over 20 years, teaching security, surveillance, close protection, physical intervention, weapons proficiency, cash-in-transit, leadership & business management, throughout Australia and the United Kingdom. She prides herself on remaining operational within the private security sector, continually taking on tasks to keep her skills current and relevant within the industry.
As an Asset College student originally, Rebecca is passionate about facilitating the best possible experience for students to learn and be fully prepared for their chosen careers.
“I believe it is an honour to teach someone. I was a student just starting out in security in Australia. My first ‘Asset College’ experience was at an information session at North Lakes. I didn’t know exactly what area I wanted to specialise in. I just knew I wanted to work in security and try all the different types of jobs that I could. I was so impressed with the knowledge, skills and help I received that I decided one day I would repay the favour to as many students as possible to help them get the great start that I did. It truly made all the difference to how my career moved forward and everything I learned still serves me in my job to this day.”
Vittorio Williams
Trainer and Assessor
Tyrone Marsh
Trainer and Assessor
Ty’s background is predominantly in youth detention, in QLD, the NT and NSW ranging in roles from Youth Officer, Shift Manager and Dept. Superintendent. He has also worked in adult custodial corrections in the same states spanning over 14 years in roles such as Accommodation Manager and Security Manager. He was also a Security Manager for the Northern Territory Health Sector overseeing the daily operations of hospital’s and mental health facilities for 2 and a half years.
Ty was also a Dog Handler in the NT and would travel to remote locations as required for peace keeping purposes. Most recently, he has been a K9 Handler in QLD performing asset protection and mobile emergency response.
Paul Crane
Trainer and Assessor
Ben Akari
Trainer and Assessor
Tommy Lai
Trainer and Assessor
Tommy’s background is with the Australian Public Service (APS), where since 2019, he has worked in a variety of roles, departments and agencies.
Through his work in the APS, he realised his passion for helping and supporting others. This passion led him to become an avid volunteer and to now become part of Asset College.
As a Justice of the Peace (Qualified), Tommy regularly volunteers at different locations as part of the JPs in the Community program. Through the program he has witnessed a variety of documents which enables him to share practical and real-world knowledge with students.
He is also an active volunteer with the Queensland State Emergency Service and the Australian Red Cross Emergency Services. His most recent deployment with the Red Cross was in February 2025, where he provided assistance at the Ingham evacuation centre and supported those impacted by flooding in North Queensland.
As a JP (Qualified), he holds the following accredited course:
– 11282NAT Course in Community Justice Services (Justice of the Peace [Qualified])
As a First Aid Officer, he holds the following units of competency:
– HLTAID010 Provide basic emergency life support
– HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
– HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
As a Trainer and Assessor with Asset College, Tommy is focused on enabling students to become knowledgeable, confident and successful Justices of the Peace (Qualified) and Commissioners for Declarations.
Tommy sees volunteering as an important service for our community. He says, “I am incredibly privileged to train others to fulfil this important service and am committed to supporting every student to succeed in their studies.”
David Uzzell
Trainer and Assessor
David Uzzell has over a decade of experience in the security industry working in a broad range of services in the sector.
Starting out in crowd control at country shows and events to mining construction sites and camps as gatehouse and static patrols in remote southwestern Qld. David has also worked for hotels, night clubs, events, shows and mobile patrols around the FIFO roles.
In addition, David has experience in cash-in-transit both covert and overt as well as ATM First Line Maintenance and Second Line Maintenance Security for Technicians. David is also a security technician which gives him knowledge and skills in alarms and CCTV as well as other security system technology. He is currently a Security Consultant and Security Trainer in NSW for Asset College.
Having worked in both southwestern Qld and NSW, he currently holds both state security licences. David has worked across a range of security positions from a crowd controller at a hotel where PM’s drink to 5-star concierge after hours security in Sydney CBD.
David most recently worked at what would be considered a high-risk position, enjoying the role with the constant interaction with people and being able to help keep everyone safe. He worked at multiple NSW Hospitals in Sydney during the pandemic of 2020-2021 in the Emergency Department and across the entire hospital complex. David found this to be the most rewarding job yet, as well the toughest of his career so far. David wants to continue working in roles like this in the future, keeping currency in the industry.
David says, “Asset College gives me the ability to train and mentor people coming into the industry, assisting them to become professional Security Officers.”
David is an approved Security Licensing Enforcement Division trainer.
David Shearman
Trainer and Assessor
David Shearman is a Trainer and Assessor for Asset College, working predominantly across the security and aviation fields.
David has worked across multiple roles in the security industry including ten years with Armaguard, performing cash in transit duties and managing cash operations. Following on from this, he went to work as an Armed Guard for NSW Corrections. He has also worked in retail and hospitality management.
From 2010 – 2016, David was a special constable with NSW police, performing the role of Senior Special Constable. The function of this role was dignitary and infrastructure protection.
From 2017 to 2022, David worked with MSS Security. He performed the role of Supervisor and Trainer and Assessor at Tamworth Regional Airport and other MSS airports across NSW.
David’s goal as a Trainer and Assessor is always to deliver quality training and assessment for the VET industry and do the best he can for the learner.
David holds the following qualifications:
Jenny Torres
Trainer and Assessor
Ella Grace Wilson
Client Relationship Officer
Ella Grace Wilson is our Client Relationship Officer at the Parramatta (Sydney) office.
Ella is originally from the Central Coast where she began her career in the RTO industry at 18. After 1.5 years, she made the decision to move to the Far West where she worked at a college in Broken Hill. She has since moved to Sydney to continue her career and development in an industry that she loves!
Ella holds the following qualifications:
She is currently studying her Certificate II in Foundation Skills for further knowledge. She would like to gain her Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and become a trainer and assessor while supporting the business and it’s aspects where she can.
In her role, Ella Grace aspires to continue her passion for and growth in education, business, training, customer service and student support.