Our Team

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.

Tony is the Operations Manager for Asset College. He has extensive staff, project and operations management experience gained over 23 years in the military as a Warrant Officer.

Since leaving the military in 2008, Tony has worked within the RTO/training sector. He has worked across varied industries in senior management positions including Guide Dogs QLD, Master Electricians Australia, National Transport and Logistics RTO, QLD Corrective Services and Irrigation Australia. Tony usees his skills and knowledge to effectively apply compliance and best business practices.

Tony also has extensive experience in applying for and managing government funding and grants across all states of Australia.

Initially arriving in Australia as an Aviation Production Engineer with Bae/Airbus having worked with Airbus for over 8 years, Mike has since developed an extensive leadership history within and across the Education Sector.

He has held a variety of senior management roles across the K-12 and Tertiary Education Sectors, including Program Manager with Independent Schools Queensland and General Manager roles with several leading RTOs including TCI (the e-learning division of Australian Institute of Management) where he managed significant Government contacts aligned to adoption of e-learning and blended learning solutions.

Mike has assisted a range of leading education, government and commercial organisations to identify, adopt and deliver effective vocational learning strategies aligned to the specific educational and L&D needs of a diverse range of individuals.

Mike has over 6 years’ experience within the Security Sector and since joining Asset College in 2016 has had a key focus in designing and developing education and recruitment outcomes for the Aviation Protection Security sector.

Mike completed his Aviation Production Engineering Apprenticeship with BAe and holds multiple tertiary qualifications across business, leadership and management.

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 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 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.

Kiara handles all certificate issuing for Asset College Head Office students. She ensures that we have all the required documentation for a certificate to be issued and gets to be the one to notify students of their achievement!

She holds a Certificate III in Business Administration that she completed via a traineeship and also assists on firearms safety courses!

Lillee is an Administration Trainee at our North Lakes office. She is currently undertaking her Certificate III in Business (Administration).

Lillee has had 3 years’ experience in retail and has just finished Year 12. For the past 3 years she has also volunteered and coached at her local netball club. She enjoys working with young people to improve their skills in netball and give them a safe space to express themsevles. She has played netball for the past 11 years’ and has represented her netball association at the state championships.

Lillee currently holds a Certificate IV in Crime and Justice and a Certificate II in Community Services. Her goal while working with ASSET is just to continue growing and learning. She is excited to gain more knowledge in the vocational education and training sector and build her career in administration.

Laura Cecot is an Administration Trainee, working out of our North Lakes Head Office in Brisbane.

Laura previously worked in customer service for several years. Laura is currently undertaking a Certificate III in Business and is excited to continue growing and developing her administration skills.

Alicia Greenhalgh is one of our newest Course Advisors.

She is working out of our Gold Coast office within the call centre team.

Alicia is undertaking a traineeship in project management, completing a Certificate IV in Project Management with ASSET. This qualification will help Alicia to assist our management team to come up with improved processes and procedures within the call centre to ensure efficiency and great customer experiences.

Alicia believes in lifelong learning and continuous professional development which is evident in the array of studies she has undertaken to date. She is also passionate about photography and loves exploring!

Alicia holds the following qualifications:

• Certificate III in Business
• Certificate II in Career Progression
• Provide First Aid and CPR
• Certificate III in Community Services
• Certificate IV in Youth Work
• Certificate III in Hospitality

She has also completed customised training in areas such as information, digital media and technology, human rights, understanding abuse, make-up and photography.

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.

Elizabeth Castella is a Course Advisor based out of our Logan campus.

Elizabeth comes from an extensive customer service background. She also worked in the security industry for 7 years in the Australian Federal Police building in Sydney as a Senior Security Officer.

This knowledge of careers in the security industry will be great for Elizabeth to be able to impart on ASSET’s security students.

Elizabeth has completed numerous Certificates and Diplomas and loves learning new things.

Lynn Meecham is a Trainer/Assessor of Asset College’s Security, Aviation, First Aid, White Card & RSA courses.

Lynn has over a decade of experience in security across almost every area of the industry. In the recent years, Lynn led security teams as State Operations & State Manager for national companies. She was also the Site Security Manager for a billion dollar asset on the Gold Coast prior to moving into the training sector almost 3 years ago.

Lynn says about ASSET

“I find ASSET to be professional and refreshingly geared towards the optimal  outcome for the students in their chosen fields.

ASSET portrays and then follows through on an image of both understanding the needs of the industries it deals with and then finding the best learning platforms to meet these needs. Their level of trainer knowledge and choice, added to the teaching capability of those trainers makes it not only easy to work with the team but a genuine pleasure to see the dedication and experience displayed.”

Qualifications

• Cert II & III Security Operations
• Cert II Aviation Transport Protection (Checked Baggage)
• Cert II Aviation Transport Protection (Passenger and Non-Passenger Screening)
• Cert II & III Food Processing
• Cert IV Training and Assessment
• Advanced First Aid (HLTAID 001, HLTAID 003, HLTAID 006)
• Diploma of Business
• Diploma of Leadership & Management
• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
• White Card
• RSA
• Cash in Transit
• Monitoring
• Body Guarding

Kevin McAney has been in the private security industry since 1989 after serving over 13 years in the Police in England and a further 3 years in the Australian Federal Police. He has supervised, managed and owned manpower based and electronic security companies and for the past 15 years he has been actively involved with Registered Training Organisations as a trainer, assessor, manager and owner.

He is a Justice of The Peace (Qualified) and holds a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) from QUT. He worked on the Ministerial Advisory Committee for the 2006 Security Providers Act review and has been a member of ASIS International.

He currently works as for Asset College and delivers and assesses training in the areas of Security Operations and Investigative Services, Community Justice Services, Management and Work Health and Safety.

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;

• Cash in transit.
• Assest protection
• Mobile Patrols
• Mines sites
• Team Leader
• Event security management (V8’s / Bands etc)
• Vehicle protection escorts
• Pistol Range Manager
• Overseas offshore processing as Response Team Member and Shift Supervisor
• Crowd Controller
• Aggressive Behaviour Management Instructor for QLD Health
• Fire Protection and Security Manager for The Prince Charles Hospital
• Electronic assess control, surveillance and monitoring

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 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.

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.

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.

A qualified, accomplished and experienced Trainer and Assessor in the Papua New Guinea (PNG), Australian and European contexts, George specialises in:

• Work Health and Safety (WHS)
• Leadership and Management
• Security and Risk Management
• Security Operations
• First Aid

George has extensive training, strategic, operational, and managerial experience and other skill sets.

• George holds the following qualifications:
• Diploma of Leadership and Management
• Diploma of Security and Risk Management
• Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
• Certificate IV Training & Assessment
• Certificate IV in Leadership & Management
• Certificate IV in Security & Risk Management
• Certificate III in Security Operations
• Certificate II in Security Operations

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.”

Samantha Stenberg is an experienced first aid trainer. She is delivering training for our students at both our Logan and Gold Coast campuses.

Samantha has 15 years in mines rescue, safety and training. She was a medic in the resources and construction industry and has recently moved into the agriculture industry.

Samantha holds the following qualifications:

• Advanced Diploma of Emergency Management
• S123 Mining Supervisor
• Certificate IV and Diploma of Work Health and Safety
• Certificate II and III in Surface Extraction Operations
• OHS White Card
• Certificate III in Mines Rescue

Samantha is currently studying a Graduate Diploma of Work Health and Safety and a Certificate IV in Mental Health.

Rachel is a Trainer for ASSET. She delivers Advanced First Aid training to students at both our Gold Coast and Logan offices.

Rachel works across a number of industries including hospitality, business and health, wellness and fitness. Previously, she has managed and facilitated educational courses in a number of hospitality facilities including pubs, clubs, hotels, casinos, events, cruise liners and cafes. She is also an accredited LLD RSA Trainer.

In addition to this, Rachel has also undertaken roles with QLD Corrective Services as QLD State Manager as well as Senior Executive Services within the hospital and health environment.

Not only can she train Advanced First Aid but she is qualified to train hospitality, business and fitness courses as well.

Rachel holds the following qualifications:

• Diploma of Hospitality Management
• Diploma of Fitness (specialising in chronic disease, disabilities and children)
• Diploma of Business Administration
• Diploma of Management
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Ricky Lynch is our online JP/Cdec Trainer.

Ricky is a practising Solicitor and registered by the High Court to practise in any Federal Court. He has almost 20 years’ experience as a Police Officer serving in QLD and NSW. He is also a licensed Security Officer.

Ricky has been training and assessing since 2018.

Ricky holds the following qualifications:

• Master of Laws (Applied Law)
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
• Bachelor of Laws
• Diploma of Government (Management)
• Diploma of Work Health and Safety
• Diploma of Public Safety (Emergency Management)
• Diploma of Justice Studies
• Diploma of Public Safety (Policing)
• Diploma of Policing
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• Certificate IV in Community Services Work
• Certificate III in Security Operations
• Certificate III in Investigative Services
• Certificate II in Security Operations
• Certificate of Legal Business Skills
• Certificate of Policing

Ramdev joined the ASSET team in 2015 as our Senior Graphic Designer / Website Developer. His role is diverse, adding creativity and building our corporate image across all aspects of our print and digital marketing. Ramdev has several years’ experience in Graphic Design and Web Development as a freelancer and with other international businesses; he has also worked as a Project Manager. Ramdev has completed a Bachelor of Computer Application and a Masters of Computer Application.

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 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:

• Certificate II in Transport Security Protection
• Certificate IV in Frontline Management
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• Certificate II in Security Operations
• Certificate III in Security Operations
• Diploma of Leadership and Management

Shayne has been a security operative for 29 years. After training in martial arts for self defence throughout the 1990’s he entered the security industry in 1994.

He began by working at Westfield Shopping Centre and nightclubs before working for 5 star hotels. He then moved onto work for Transport NSW, Sydney Trains Security Division as acting Team Leader, managing a team of up to 30 guards. He provided law enforcement in the way of issuing fines for offences as well as performing arrests with the use of batons and handcuffs under the supervision of NSW Police.

Shayne moved into the training space in 2018.

In NSW Shayne is currrently a Security Delegate. He runs security courses for ASSET as a Trainer and Assessor in Adelaide and also delivers first aid training right across Australia.

Sazibe is a seasoned Administration Officer, working out of our Parramatta office. She has worked in many administration roles throughout her career across banking, insurance, superannuation and vocational education.

She has also worked as a Teacher’s Aide alongside raising her two children.

Sazibe is delighted to be working within vocational education and training and looks forward to using her skills to help students get the very best outcomes from their training.

Paige is a Business Administration Trainee assisting students in our Parramatta office.

Prior to taking on the traineeship with ASSET, Paige worked in hospitality for 10 years. Having experience in restaurants, RSL clubs, pubs and bars across Sydney helps Paige to assist security students and graduates who also wish to enter the hospitality industry as Security Officers!

Paige is excited to grow with ASSET and build a strong foundation for a career in administration in the vocational education and training sector.