Matt Nicholson v2.0

QUALIFICATIONS

2003-2004 MSc Computer Games Technology
Liverpool John Moores University

1998-1998 NVQ Level 2 Installing Information Technology Products
Alpha Training, Liverpool

1995-1997 HND Computing
Liverpool John Moores University

1993-1995 BTEC National Diploma in IT Applications
City of Liverpool Community College

WORK HISTORY

Data Support Engineer
Opal Telecom, Birchwood, 2007-present
Providing support to business clients. Technologies supported include ADSL, ADSL2+, IP Stream, LLU, Routers, Switches, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, all current Microsoft/Apple operating systems. Applications used include DISE, Netsuite.

Web Designer
Insight Chemical Solutions Ltd, Liverpool, 2007
I designed & built the corporate website for Insight Chemical Solutions entirely in XHTML, CSS and JavaScript. The site passes W3C validation. I remain responsible for further ad-hoc updates and improvements as and when required by the company.

2nd Line Technical Support Advisor
Carphone Warehouse, Birchwood, 2006-2007
Technologies supported include ADSL, ADSL2+, IP Stream, LLU, all Microsoft/Apple operating systems, all major web browsers and POP3 mail clients. Applications used included Sharepoint, Netsuite.

In September 2006, I visited CPW’s new contact centre in Stornoway to provide coaching to the new 2nd Line team. This led to me delivering a number of training sessions to staff in the company’s main Birchwood office over the following months.

1st Line Technical Support Advisor
Telewest Broadband, Liverpool, 2001-2006
Working on the company’s first line, I provide technical support to customers using Telewest’s Blueyonder Broadband Internet service. I am able to guide users at all technical levels through the necessary steps to diagnose and resolve technical faults across all current Microsoft & Apple operating systems. I consistently provide first-time fault resolution and achieve excellent call quality scores.

Web Designer
WebFink Custom Web Design, Liverpool, 1999-2001
Involved in site creation at all stages, from initial consultation with client, through prototyping and design phase to creating the finished product. Provided ongoing after-care to clients. Applications used included Macromedia Dreamweaver, Flash and Adobe Photoshop. Left the company in August 2000, having been injured in a road accident.

IT Assistant
St Chad’s RC High School, Runcorn, 1998-1999
I provided on-site hardware and software support for a network of around 100 PCs. I was also responsible for classroom-based software support and coaching, both in and out of regular school hours. Outside of my main duties, I developed a popular lunchtime computer club providing students with access to IT resources outside of lessons.

Visiting Lecturer
City of Liverpool Community College, 1998
I taught students aged 17+ in IT related GNVQ subjects. Lessons included Microsoft Office, binary maths and basic networking. This was a temporary position covering staff absence. I was a registered lecturer with ELS.

Technical Support
Various companies, Liverpool (placements via Alpha Training), 1998
I was responsible for building PCs, installing OS & applications, maintenance and repairs.

SKILLS

Web Authoring (HTML, XHTML, CSS, Javascript, Dreamweaver, Flash,)
3D character modelling (3D Studio Max 6, Maya 6, MilkShape 3D)
2D art - traditional & digital (Adobe Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro)
PC hardware installation, maintenance and support
PC software installation and support
Network installation / administration
Full clean driving licence & car

INTERESTS

I am interested in 3D modelling for games. I’m familiar with 3D Studio MAX, Maya and Milkshape 3D. I’m currently working towards improving my portfolio.
I am currently working on an ambitious game mod for the Unreal engine, based on poplar comic character Strontium Dog, from the long-running British sci-fi anthology 2000AD. The material produced so far has elicited some very positive responses from the original strip’s creators. More information available at www.strontiumdog.com
My MSc dissertation covered uses of interactive machinima for training and education purposes. As part of this project I developed a fire safety training simulation, depicting several common hazards encountered in a burning building.
I also play guitar. Badly.