Pinarayi calls on youth to get ready for future

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called on the youth, especially students, to get ready for the future by equipping themselves with new skills. He cited a study, which claimed that 50% of the traditional jobs would disappear by 2035 as he called on youngsters to get ready for the emerging world of opportunities. The Chief Minister was inaugurating the three-day India Skills Kerala 2018 competitions here on Marine Drive on Saturday.

The Chief Minister said students in Kerala had been educated the traditional way but needed to acquire the ability to face new requirements. He added that the programme being conducted would help change the mindset of the people.

Minister for Labour T.P. Ramakrishnan presided at the inaugural. He said in his brief presidential address that the event was a major step for Kerala. Additional Chief Secretary, Labour and Skills Department, Tom Jose welcomed the gathering. Director of Industrial Training and Managing Director Kerala Academy of Skills Excellence Sriram Venkitaraman proposed a vote of thanks.

The programme is being organised by the Industrial Training Department and the Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence. Competitions were being held across the State for the past one month. The event saw overwhelming participation from youngsters, said the organisers.

Various categories

The Skill India Kerala programmes began on Saturday morning at the venue where 23 exhibition stalls are set up. Students are competing in various categories that include automobile, baking, carpentry, CNC milling and turning, three-D digital arts, electronics, and welding.

The winners in the competitions here will participate in the national-level competitions and winners at the national-level will participate in the international competitions being held in Russia during July-August.

The inauguration of the programmes was preceded by a march by participating students representing various disciplines under which they were competing.