The outcomes of the on going census enumeration will be very vital in opening up data based interventions of skilling millions of Ugandan youth.
Sendea Academy, an institution that is currently engaged in skilling thousands of youngsters in the renewable energy space, argues that statistical data remains critical.
“In today’s fast-paced business environment, skilled individuals are crucial for employees and businesses. However, less than 2% of applicants meet 70% of job criteria, largely due to inadequate skills,” according Loy Kyozaire, the CEO Sendea Academy.
The electrical engineers also cites “the Uganda Bureau of Statistics’ National Labour Force Survey 2021 reveals that 35% of graduates struggle to secure jobs annually, highlighting the need for a skilled workforce for economic growth.”
Loy Kyozaire, the Sendea Academy CEO.
Eng. Kyozaire, says that valid statistics will therefore, go a long way in generating scientific based strategies and interventions that accurately, link the progress of skilling to the prevailing market demand.
“The skills gap, if not addressed, could significantly impact a country’s economic development, as the large number of unemployed graduates strains the resources of their families,” she cautions.
Acknowledging the prevailing economic environment, as employers face challenges in navigating unpredictable business dynamics, but that hiring skilled employees can boost profitability and attract trade partnerships with developed nations.
Apprentices being skills at the Sendea Academy.
Engineer Kyozaire, notes that to address the root causes of the skills gap, it is critical to establish demonstration centers within educational institutions. These centers provide students with practical, real-world experience, better preparing them for the workforce.
Through its training section, the Sendea Academy, has trained over 800 participants (30% women and 70% males) since 2018, with a particular emphasis on the renewable energy sector. This statistic for an obviously specialised sub-sector should be tripled in the medium term.
Thousands of young Ugandans exit the country on a daily basis largely to the Middle East for short-term employment opportunities.
In many nations, qualified professionals earn greater wages, emphasizing the value of investing in skill development. Short-term skills training programs enable people to swiftly enter the workforce by providing them with specialized knowledge in specific industries, beyond what we see currently.
However, there is also evidence that the current training and related skilling efforts do not came cheap to many struggling youth.
Solar technicians’ training, equipment, and DIT assessments can cost over 1000 euros, making it difficult for many to afford, emphasizing the need for funding partners.
“GIZ, ADA, and SEZ support programs like VETTOOLBOX, gender matters for green TVET, freelance training, and business incubators. NEFCO’s BEYOND THE GRID FUND FOR Africa supports skills development in Uganda and Africa. There is need to take full advantage of such interventions,” appeals Kyozaire.