Catherine Collins is Network Manager with First Polymer Training Skillnet in Athlone, a training network promoted by Ibec. She studied Polymer Engineering in AIT (TUS) graduating in 1989. She joined Millipore Ireland, where she worked as a process engineer, before moving to Medtronic Athlone in 1992. She held various technical roles in the industry before joining First Polymer Training Skillnet in 2001, where her role includes programme development & accreditation, industry engagement and centre management.

Catherine is a member of the Governing Body of TUS (Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands and Midwest), Irish Polymer Group (IPG), Midland Regional Skills Forum, Polymer Processing Apprenticeship Industry Consortium and Programme Board, MRI and APT Industry Steering Committee and also represents Polymer Technology Ireland(Ibec) on various industry working groups.