Unlike other institutions, technical vocational education and training (TVET) institutions offer hands-on courses such as bricklaying, tailoring, buil
Technical vocational education and training (TVET) institutions offer practical, hands-on courses such as engineering, construction, bricklaying, and tailoring. This sets them apart from other institutions that often focus on theoretical learning.
At the recent launch of the Ministry of Education's inaugural TVET magazine, the Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, emphasized the importance of quality vocational and technical skills for increasing productivity and competitiveness in Uganda's workforce. He noted that in the past, there has been a lack of appreciation for TVET, leading to low enrollment in skill-based programs. This is largely due to a prioritization of white-collar over blue-collar jobs among some Ugandans. Dr Muyingo urged TVET institutions to encourage youth to join their programs and acquire the skills needed to succeed in the job market.
The annual TVET magazine will serve as a platform for the sub-sector to communicate their reports and accomplishments, promote success stories, and engage with their audience in unique ways that can bring in new prospects, clients, and partners. Dr Muyingo stated that the magazine is a valuable forum for disseminating information about TVET to employers, parents, prospective trainees, and other stakeholders. He emphasized the government's commitment to skilling Uganda's youth as a solution to the high rate of unemployment among young people with degrees. As Uganda integrates with the East African community, it is essential to skill our workforce to compete for jobs in the region.
Jane Egau Okou, head of TVET at the Ministry of Education, shared in the magazine that her directorate has continued to provide policy guidance, coordinate TVET delivery, and offer administrative support to both public and private TVET providers. She highlighted the increased participation of employers and the private sector in TVET activities and engagements, signaling a shift towards a demand-driven TVET system. Douglas Opio, co-chair of the TVET Policy Implementation Working Group, emphasized the prioritization of skills development in both the National Development Plan III and the national Vision 2040. He explained that a national policy on TVET has been developed and approved by cabinet for implementation, and a private sector-led working group has been established to put the policy into action. This reflects a strong commitment to skilling Uganda and empowers employers to lead the TVET system.
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