With 30 years of teaching experience across Asia, the Middle East, and North America, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for practical learning to Djerriwarrh’s Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program in Ballarat. Drawn by the opportunity to turn language skills into real job opportunities, Michael is dedicated to helping students gain the confidence and skills they need to thrive in their new community.
Michael’s approach is all about transformation. “It’s not just about learning grammar; it’s about seeing a student gain the ability to speak up, secure a job, and fully participate in their new community life,” he says. At Djerriwarrh, he tailors lessons to the Ballarat context, using local examples and employment trends to ensure every class is a direct step toward professional and community integration.
In the classroom, Michael focuses on making learning practical and hands-on. Students practice real-world scenarios—like customer interactions and team discussions—using authentic materials. They develop essential workplace skills, from mastering mock interviews and professional emails to understanding Australian CV formats and workplace communication.
Michael’s teaching has led to real success stories, such as Maria, a student who was doing well in her class but needed help with fast-paced customer chat. After we focused on drilling ordering terms and the friendly conversation needed for hospitality, Maria quickly secured a front-of-house job at a local café. “Her success proves that combining language training with professional skills leads directly to great local jobs,” Michael says.
What Michael enjoys most is seeing the immediate, positive impact his students have on their own lives in Ballarat—whether it’s securing employment, building social networks, or simply feeling more at home. His advice to students? “Stop being a student of English and start being a user of English. Be proactive and take risks with the language outside the classroom. Every attempt, even with mistakes, is a step toward genuine improvement.”
