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By Naome Namusoke/KMA Updates.
Addressing Uganda’s Workforce challenges:Uganda Partners with German Cooperation to Strengthen TVET
Uganda’s education system faces significant challenges in preparing its workforce for the labor market. Skills gaps and mismatches continue to hinder youth transitions into employment, while the dominance of the informal sector limits job creation and economic growth.
According to the National Labor Force Survey, over 40% of young people in Uganda are unemployed, with nearly 1.2 million youths remaining idle. Despite efforts to enhance employment sustainability, challenges persist in equipping learners with the right skills to meet industry demands.
To address these issues, the Government of Uganda, in partnership with stakeholders and Ger
man cooperation, has initiated efforts to strengthen the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. This collaboration seeks to enhance the employability of graduates and improve industrial productivity across East African Member Communities.
Germany’s Support for TVET Development
The German government, through its cooperation with Uganda, is playing a vital role in expanding vocational training and apprenticeship programs. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, Ambassador Matthias Schauer, the German Ambassador to Uganda, emphasized the importance of workplace learning in preparing youths for the labor market.
“This initiative will enable young people to easily undergo training programs through TVET, ensuring they face fewer challenges in securing employment.”
Germany’s Chamber of Skilled Crafts (CSC Koblenz), which supports over 19,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is at the forefront of vocational training and skills development. According to the CEO of CSC Koblenz, Mr. Ralf Hellrich, strengthening TVET systems requires collaborative efforts between government, private sector, and industry stakeholders.
“To successfully improve skills development, we need a strong partnership between businesses and training institutions to ensure that TVET learners receive hands-on experience aligned with industry needs.”
Uganda’s National Apprenticeship Framework
Recognizing the high unemployment rate among youths, the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, has introduced the Uganda National Apprenticeship Framework. This initiative seeks to provide standardized, high-quality training experiences for both learners and employers.
The framework is designed to:
Ensure structured workplace learning opportunities for TVET students.
Create a bridge between training institutions and industries.
Improve job readiness and employability of TVET graduates.
Additionally, the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA) has stressed the importance of rules and regulations to ensure standardization and quality control in workplace learning programs. Namwanje Veronica, Executive Director of USSIA, emphasized that clear policies are needed to make TVET more effective.
“For this initiative to succeed, we must enforce strict rules and guidelines to ensure standardization, so that learners acquire the skills that industries truly require.”
The Role of Workplace Learning in TVET
Workplace learning is a key pillar in Uganda’s TVET transformation, ensuring that graduates gain practical, hands-on experience before entering the workforce. Apprenticeships and on-the-job training are essential in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world industry needs.
Key benefits of workplace learning include:
Enhanced employability: Graduates with practical experience are more likely to secure jobs.
Industry-aligned skills: Training is tailored to meet market demands.
Stronger employer-employee connections: Businesses gain access to skilled workers, while learners receive valuable industry mentorship.
As Uganda continues to expand and improve its TVET sector, partnerships like the one with Germany’s Chamber of Skilled Crafts will play a crucial role in shaping a skilled, competitive workforce for the country’s future.
With high youth unemployment rates and skills mismatches affecting Uganda’s labor market, the government’s partnership with Germany aims to provide practical, skills-based training through workplace learning initiatives. By strengthening vocational education, improving TVET infrastructure, and fostering collaborations with the private sector, Uganda is positioning itself for greater economic growth and job creation.
As these programs are rolled out, the big question remains: Will Uganda fully integrate workplace learning into its education system to ensure that no young person is left behind?