Government Strengthens TVET Programs, Boosts Female Enrolment and Industry-Driven Training

Government continues to make strides in enhancing Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), focusing on practical skills development, industry relevance, and inclusivity.

This progress was highlighted during the release of the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) results, where the Ministry of Education and Sports highlighted ongoing reforms that aim to position TVET as a critical engine of workforce development.

The rise in female enrolment, particularly in fields traditionally dominated by men, such as mechanical engineering and road construction is one of the achievements the ministry of education is proud of.

The scholarship program targeting women and learners with special needs, has been instrumental in increasing female participation. In the latest UBTEB results, the completion rate for females was reported at 84%, surpassing the overall completion rate of 82%.

The decentralised admission system, which enables students to enroll in TVET institutions close to their homes, has further facilitated this growth.

The females performance, outcompeted males in National Diploma in Fashion and Garment Design, National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, NationalDiploma in Architecture and in all Business diploma programmes.

Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, applauded the resilience of Uganda’s TVET system, particularly in overcoming challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Out of all the candidates whose results are being released today, 82% completed their programs successfully. This is a testament to the resilience of our TVET system and the determination of our learners,” she said.

The minister noted that this resilience is key to ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world challenges.

Beyond enrolment, the government is prioritising hands-on skills, which the minister emphasised as essential for improving graduates’ employability. Industrial placements are being promoted as a core component of training.

“Industrial placement is vital in TVET because it allows the trainees to acquire relevant knowledge and experience from the real world of work – not simulation, It is worth the investment, as it enriches their chances of employability and learning to solve problems as a team.” the minister noted

She added that Infrastructure improvements are also underway, with 15 Vocational Training Institutes (VTIs) currently benefiting from new workshops, lecture rooms, and residential facilities for trainees.

The government has further enhanced salaries for TVET trainers to match those of science teachers, aiming to attract skilled professionals to support high-quality training.

Despite these advances, accessibility remains a challenge, as only 146 public TVET institutions operate nationwide. To address this, the government is implementing a phased approach to fully equip existing institutions and expand their reach.

The Minister called for continued collaboration between the government, TVET institutions, and the private sector, stressing the need for a resilient system capable of adapting to industry needs.

As Uganda invests in a skilled workforce through reforms and strategic initiatives, the TVET sector stands poised to contribute significantly to the nation’s socio-economic development.

The release of the UBTEB results underscores this commitment, pointing to a promising future for Uganda’s vocational training.