Colin Skates

Colin is the lead tutor of Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s carpentry programme; a course he has helped develop in the 17 years he has been teaching at the school.

A carpenter & joiner by trade, Colin has vast experience in the industry. He sent the first 12 years of his trade working for a number of construction firms on the West Coast followed by 16 years with NZ Railways as a carpenter in the signals branch.After leaving NZR, Colin started and managed his own business for five years before joining TPP.

Colin enjoys the interaction with students, and seeing them attain valuable skills to take out to the workforce.

He holds an Advanced Certificate in Carpentry and a National Diploma in Adult Education and Training. Colin also holds a Building Practitioner's Licence in Carpentry and Site 1.

A born and bred West Coaster, Colin enjoys whitebaiting, listening to Solid Gold Radio, and sports.