Education stakeholders have called on students to prioritise vocational and practical skills training as a strategic response to the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the global job market.
The appeal was made by the Assistant Commissioner for Secondary Schools at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Alfred Kyaka, alongside former Minister of Agriculture, Victoria Ssekitoleko. The two experts warned that rapid advancements in AI are steadily transforming industries and rendering many traditional jobs obsolete, making hands-on skills increasingly valuable.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony held to celebrate strong academic performance at Iganga Secondary School in last year’s Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) examinations for Senior Four and Senior Six, Kyaka emphasized the need for learners to adapt to changing workforce demands.
“In order to remain competitive, students must embrace practical skills training. Even those who proceed to university should consider undertaking basic skills courses alongside their studies so that by the time they graduate, they are capable of creating their own jobs,” Kyaka said.
He noted that while formal education remains important, it should be complemented with employable skills that can provide alternative income streams in an increasingly unpredictable job market.
Dr. Ssekitoleko echoed similar concerns, warning that AI is already disrupting a wide range of professions and will continue to reduce job opportunities in the coming years. She specifically highlighted that some academic fields, including law, could face significant disruption due to automation and digital transformation.
“Many jobs are being lost annually due to the rise of artificial intelligence. Instead of focusing solely on academic qualifications such as degrees and diplomas, students should also develop vocational skills that are less likely to be replaced by machines,” she said.
Drawing from her personal experience, she said careers rooted in practical, hands-on work are more resilient to technological disruption.
“I am a farmer, and I am confident that artificial intelligence will take a long time to replace what I do. The next generation should focus on sectors that cannot easily be overtaken by AI,” she added.
She further underscored the economic importance of vocational skills, noting that individuals in trades such as tailoring and hairdressing are among the most financially stable and dependable earners.
“Basic skills development drives the economy. Some of the most reliable people financially are those with practical skills. For instance, my designer and hairdresser are among the few people who can lend me money without hesitation,” she remarked.
The educationists’ message comes at a time when governments and institutions are increasingly rethinking education systems to align with technological advancements and evolving labour market needs.
Stakeholders at the event commended Iganga Secondary School for its academic excellence but stressed that academic success alone is no longer sufficient. They urged schools to integrate skills-based learning into their programmes to better prepare students for the realities of the modern workforce.
As AI continues to reshape industries globally, experts maintain that a balanced approach combining formal education with vocational training will be critical in equipping young people with sustainable and future-proof livelihoods.
