First Lady Samina Arif Alvi said skills-based vocational training is imperative for the country’s socio-economic development and industrial growth.

She said this during a meeting with different stakeholders in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector at Governor House Karachi, according to a statement released here on Saturday.

“We need to keep an eye on changing industry trends and focus on demand-driven and technology-driven skills,” she said.

Samina Alvi underlined the importance of the link between the training institute and the industry. She said the industry and the institute should establish a strong liaison to ensure maximum employment. She added that young people should be encouraged to become entrepreneurs.

Earlier, the Managing Director of STEVTA, Dr. Ghulam Mustafa briefed the First Lady on the functions and structure of the organization and its role in spreading skill-based training across the province.

The First Lady urged participants to create an enabling environment for people with disabilities by designing special training programs for them. She also urged all stakeholders to sensitize the masses on the importance of professional skills.

The meeting was attended by the general manager and officials of STEVTA, heads of private professional institutes and others.