Dr Parris Searles possesses over 25 years of experience in the technical, vocational education and training (TVET) arena. Specifically, her professional experiences lie in the areas of labour market research, youth training, workforce development, policy formulation and analysis, strategic planning and quality assurance and management. Dr Parris Searles has authored a number of academic papers focused upon the labour market realities among at risk youth and the effectiveness and relevance of various government policies and initiatives. Presently, she is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Training Agency, Trinidad and Tobago. She also functions as the NTA’s UNEVOC Centre Head and the Chairperson of the Cabinet appointed Standing Committee for the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) Programme.