WorldSkills Uganda, in partnership with Enabel – the Belgian Agency for International Cooperation has conducted training of Experts at Lokopio Hills Technical Institute in Yumbe ahead of the upcoming Skills Competitions.
The training has brought together experts from various TVET institutions and the world of work across the West Nile Sub-region to strengthen their capacity, promote industry-relevant skills and advance excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Speaking during the training, the Assistant Commissioner for TVET Operations and Management in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr Eddy Turyatemba, emphasised the critical role of skilled human capital in national development, noting that TVET produces competent, innovative and productive human resource.
“TVET equips young people with practical competencies, confidence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities that enhance their employability and productivity,” Dr Turyatemba said.
The emphasis on TVET comes against the backdrop of new graduates that continue to flood the job market in search for employment.
Hundreds of thousands of young people reach working age in Uganda every year but a few are able to secure employment.
It is this gap that skills-focused training is increasingly being positioned to close.
Studies show employers report that TVET graduates demonstrate superior hands-on skills compared to their university-educated counterparts. This has strengthened the case for competence-based, hands-on training.
Beyond employability, skills training is also being framed as a route into self-employment. Graduates equipped with trade skills such as welding, construction, automotive mechanics, catering, ICT and electrical installation are increasingly starting small businesses, supporting local industries and training others, with skills-based enterprises ranking among the fastest-growing sectors for young entrepreneurs in Uganda.
