Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Date of Birth
References
Generic

Michael Francis

Cape Town

Summary

Results-driven IT Manager with proven experience in technology deployment, infrastructure management, and strategic IT leadership within the education sector. Skilled at overseeing hardware, software, and networking systems to ensure seamless daily operations. Adept at collaborating with school executives and management to design and implement cost-effective, future-focused technology solutions. Recognized for combining customer service excellence with strong technical expertise, delivering tailored solutions that enhance efficiency and user satisfaction. Experienced in managing complex systems, security services, and preventive maintenance, while leading proposals, conducting technology needs assessments, and training staff to build digital confidence. An innovative problem-solver who leverages diverse methodologies to align IT with organizational goals and long-term growth.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

IT Manager

Zwaanswyk Academy (Primary)
10.2023 - Current
  • User base: Academic staff, administrators, and learners across Foundation, Intermediate and Senior phases.
  • Estate: Computer lab, staff laptops, classroom AV (legacy interactive whiteboards + projectors), network core & edge (managed switches), Wi‑Fi, printers/MFDs.
  • Ecosystem: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Windows endpoints; Greenshoots learning platform; Clevertouch LED touch panels
  • Defined an IT roadmap aligned to the school improvement plan (classroom tech modernization, network reliability, device lifecycle and staff enablement).
  • Established standards for procurement, configuration, and maintenance to minimise downtime and total cost of ownership.
  • Authored/maintained core documentation: asset register, campus network map (switch/AP locations), classroom AV inventory, supplier/warranty records, basic SOPs.
  • Reporting line: School leadership team; close collaboration with Carmenita Brookes (Greenshoots liaison & clothing store administrator)


  • Infrastructure & Network: Maintain LAN/WLAN, manage switching, monitor uptime, and coordinate recabling/patching for reliability and growth.


  • Device Lifecycle: Plan, procure, image, and deploy staff laptops; refresh and upgrade lab PCs; manage repairs to extend lifespan and reduce costs.


  • Classroom Technology (AV/Interactive): Support legacy interactive whiteboards & projectors (calibration, lamps, HDMI/USB signal, driver updates) and lead the transition to LED touch panels.


  • Digital Learning Enablement: Integrate Greenshoots platform; coordinate with academic staff to prioritise student engagement and data‑driven instruction.


  • Security & Continuity: Enforce basic security hygiene (account controls, updates, backups), and maintain incident/response routines appropriate for a primary school context.


  • Vendor & Budget Management: Source quotations, compare proposals, negotiate value, track spend against budget, and schedule preventive maintenance.


  • Stakeholder Support & Training: Deliver quick‑resolution support to staff, run targeted coaching on classroom tech and platform use, and communicate planned changes.
  • Led the evaluation to replace ageing projector‑based smartboards with LED touch panels.
  • Ran on‑site demos with vendors; facilitated teacher feedback sessions and requirements capture (sizes 65"/75"/86", brightness, OPS PC options, whiteboarding, casting, cloud management, warranty, training & support).


  • Assessed lab inventory; upgraded PCs (RAM/SSD where viable), standardised OS builds and core software.
  • Implemented a clean base image for quick re‑provisioning and reduced recovery time.
  • Outcome: faster start‑up times and fewer lesson interruptions; simplified support through standardised builds.
  • Specified, procured and deployed new staff laptops; imaged devices with standard tools and profiles; migrated user data and configured cloud services (M365/Google Workspace).
  • Implemented a light‑touch lifecycle plan (asset tagging, health checks, basic backup guidance) and a repair‑first approach to extend device life.


  • Mapped existing switches and access points on a campus plan; validated cable routes and cabinet patching.
  • Scoped Phase 1 Wi‑Fi expansion for priority areas (initial 3 additional APs), with channel planning and PoE capacity checks.
  • Scheduled deployment to minimise classroom disruption and aligned timing with other term projects.
  • Outcome: clear upgrade path with minimal risk and predictable budget.
  • Identified the school website as a major term project; coordinated scope, timeline and vendor collaboration.
  • Aligned content structure with school branding and parent information needs; planned basic analytics to inform future improvements.
  • Outcome: structured plan to modernise digital presence and streamline communication with parents/stakeholders.
  • Partnered with Greenshoots Liaison to embed Greenshoots usage; prioritised learner engagement and teacher readiness.
  • Delivered micro‑training, quick‑reference guides, and classroom setup checks to reduce friction for teachers.
  • Outcome: increased confidence using digital tools in lessons; smoother classroom execution.
  • Introduced scheduled health checks for lab devices, projectors, and panels (filters/lamps where applicable, firmware/driver updates, cable integrity).
  • Built a simple escalation path for recurring faults and tracked warranty actions.
  • Outcome: noticeable reduction in unplanned classroom disruptions.


  • Legacy estate care: Routine projector/board calibration; lamp replacement cycles; HDMI/USB signal integrity; driver/firmware updates; input panel and cable management.


  • Transition strategy: Move from projector‑based boards to LED touch panels for brighter rooms, lower maintenance, and interactive software built‑in.
  • Spec considerations: Panel size by room depth; anti‑glare glass; palm rejection & multi‑touch; OPS PC vs external mini‑PC; wireless casting (Windows/Miracast, iOS/macOS); classroom audio integration.
  • TCO & support: Warranty length (onsite vs return‑to‑base), spare parts availability, training quality, remote management capabilities.


  • Rollout playbook: Room survey → power & mounting check → delivery & wall prep → install & commissioning → teacher induction → follow‑up coaching.
  • Reduced technical disruptions in lessons through proactive maintenance and standardised device images.
  • Created an actionable, budget‑aware path to modernise classroom interactivity via LED touch panels.
  • Improved reliability of lab sessions and staff devices, enabling smoother teaching and administration.
  • Strengthened collaboration between IT and academic teams to anchor technology decisions in pedagogy.


  • Platforms: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Greenshoots.


  • Hardware/AV: Legacy smartboards & projectors; LED touch panels Clevertouch; staff laptops; lab PCs; managed switches; wireless APs.


  • Planning & Documentation: Campus network/AV maps, asset registers, phased rollout and lifecycle plans.

IT Technician

Zwaanswyk High School
06.2023 - 09.2023
  • User base: Teachers, administrators, and learners across the high school.
  • Infrastructure: Windows server environment, managed switches, wired and wireless network, computer labs, classroom AV (interactive whiteboards, projectors).
  • Tools: Cisco Packet Tracer (for simulation), Microsoft 365, standard Windows/Mac environments.
  • Reporting line: School IT leadership and senior management.
  • Delivered front‑line user support for staff and learners: troubleshooting hardware, software, printing, and connectivity issues.
  • Assisted with server deployment and ongoing maintenance to improve school systems and centralised management.
  • Configured and maintained network switches, ensuring secure and efficient operation.
  • Re‑cabled key areas to resolve connectivity issues and strengthen network reliability.
  • Provided technical support for classroom AV systems (projectors, interactive boards, and connectivity).
  • Monitored network health and assisted in implementing improvements for performance and coverage.
  • Maintained asset documentation and supported procurement/installation of new devices.
  • Participated in planning and stakeholder meetings to assess feasibility of a solar energy solution for the school.
  • Gathered requirements, evaluated proposals, and contributed IT/technical considerations for integration with existing infrastructure.
  • Outcome: Informed leadership decision‑making on sustainable infrastructure investment.
  • Assisted in the planning, creation, and installation of a new school server to centralise resources and streamline management.
  • Configured server roles, security settings, and data access policies.
  • Outcome: More efficient management of users, files, and networked resources.
  • Configured managed switches to optimise connectivity, VLAN segmentation, and security.
  • Performed recabling in critical areas to eliminate bottlenecks and unreliable connections.
  • Outcome: Increased uptime and reduced user complaints about slow or unstable internet.
  • Researched wireless access point coverage; created heatmaps to model Wi‑Fi signal strength and capacity.
  • Simulated upgrades in Cisco Packet Tracer to validate placement and performance before implementation.
  • Outcome: Clear roadmap for expanding Wi‑Fi coverage with minimal disruption.
  • Strengthened the reliability of the school’s network and server infrastructure.
  • Reduced classroom interruptions by resolving AV/IT issues quickly and efficiently.
  • Provided evidence‑based network upgrade plans through simulations and documentation.
  • Built trust with stakeholders by participating in technical planning for solar and infrastructure projects.
  • Networking: Switch configuration, cabling, Cisco Packet Tracer simulations.
  • Servers: Windows Server setup and administration.
  • Classroom Tech: Interactive whiteboards, projectors, AV troubleshooting.
  • Productivity Platforms: Microsoft 365, standard education software.

Customer Service Representative

Teleperformance
01.2023 - 05.2023
  • The main role of a Customer Service Representative (CSR) is to provide assistance, support, and information to customers or clients of a company.
  • Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
  • Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
  • Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
  • Contributed to sales growth by upselling products and services based on individual customer requirements.
  • Collaborated with team members to develop best practices for consistent customer service delivery.
  • Provided coaching and mentoring to new hires, contributing to their successful integration into the team.
  • Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.

Data Capturer

Quay 1 International Realty
09.2022 - 12.2022
  • Data Capturer at the real estate agency, The primary role was to ensure accurate and efficient data entry and management of property and client information.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality while handling sensitive client information and records.
  • Obtained scanned records and uploaded into database.
  • Scanned documents and saved in database to keep records of essential organizational information.
  • Streamlined data processing tasks for increased efficiency and productivity.
  • Reduced manual input errors with thorough proofreading and attention to detail in all data entries.
  • Ensured timely completion of assigned tasks, maintaining a high level of professionalism under pressure and tight deadlines.
  • Utilized specialized software tools for seamless integration of captured data into the company''s systems.

Education

NQF5 - Systems Support: Information Technology

False Bay College
Cape Town, Western Cape
05.2022

High School Diploma - undefined

Norman Henshilwood High School
Cape Town, Western Cape
05.2020

Skills

  • Technical Expertise: Infrastructure Management, Network Administration, Systems Integration, Cybersecurity, Hardware and Software Support, Cloud Computing (eg, AWS, Azure)
  • Administration: Project Planning and Execution, Budget Management, Risk Assessment, Resource Allocation
  • Project Leadership and Team Management: Staff Training and Development, Performance Management, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Conflict Resolution
  • Strategic Planning: Technology Roadmap Development, Business Needs Analysis, IT Strategy Formulation
  • Network administration
  • IT asset management
  • Technical troubleshooting
  • Team development
  • IT procurement
  • IT budgeting

Accomplishments

  • Modernized classroom technology by leading the evaluation and rollout plan for LED touch panels to replace outdated interactive whiteboards.
  • Upgraded the computer lab and staff devices, improving reliability, reducing downtime, and extending device lifespan through repairs and lifecycle planning.
  • Enhanced network reliability by configuring switches, re-cabling critical areas, and planning Wi-Fi expansion with heatmaps and phased upgrades.
  • Strengthened digital learning adoption by integrating the Greenshoots platform, training staff, and improving learner engagement with technology.
  • Supported the school’s solar initiative by engaging with stakeholders, evaluating technical requirements, and ensuring IT infrastructure compatibility with sustainable energy solutions.
  • Expertly skilled in using Excel, Office software, any technical software
  • Achieved qualification for the 2022 Nationals in athletics, competing in the 800m event.

Certification

  • National Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Support
  • NQF Level 5 (NLRD No.48573)
  • Date of Issue: 2023-06-08

Languages

English
Afrikaans

Timeline

IT Manager

Zwaanswyk Academy (Primary)
10.2023 - Current

IT Technician

Zwaanswyk High School
06.2023 - 09.2023

Customer Service Representative

Teleperformance
01.2023 - 05.2023

Data Capturer

Quay 1 International Realty
09.2022 - 12.2022

High School Diploma - undefined

Norman Henshilwood High School

NQF5 - Systems Support: Information Technology

False Bay College

Date of Birth

09 November 2002

References

Kefilwe Sehloho | IT Manager Zwaanswyk High School 

ksehloho@zwhs.co.za

0217127721 


Anthony Adams | Principal Zwaanswyk Academy 

Principal@zwaanswyk.net

0217122051 (Option 6)


Helen Steyn | Deputy Principal Zwaanswyk Academy

hsteyn@zwaanswyk.net

0217122051 (Option 5)

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Michael Francis