Andy & Barrie abseiling for rangatahi in Otago!

Skillsec is delighted to support Southern Youth Development with their annual fundraiser with two

of our tutors, Andy and Barrie, keen to abseil!

We’re a friendly, whānau-centered organisation providing education, training and employment

opportunities for our community with a kaupapa Māori focus.

Andy has been the Automotive tutor at Skillsec since early 2024. He used to be a heavy diesel

mechanic and has worked for a prestigious car firm and a ski field as a technician. His skills have

been in demand all over the world. Andy’s hobbies include gardening, diving, and he’s a bit of a food

connoisseur!

Barrie joined Skillsec in January as their NCEA Level 2 Construction tutor. He’s a trade-qualified joiner

with a love of timber and he really enjoys working on carpentry projects in his spare time. He’s won

several awards for his craftsmanship, and he also made Dunedin’s largest working pen. It’s almost

2.5m long and weighs over 20kg!

Andy and Barrie both share a passion for teaching rangatahi and find it so rewarding to celebrate the

growth, confidence and achievement that happens when young people find a sense of belonging.

They both signed up to the Toss The Boss fundraiser because they want to show their support for

rangatahi in Ōtepoti Dunedin, and to raise awareness for the wonderful mahi syd provides.