Over 150 Nkumba University final year students have undergone a two-day soft skills training courtesy of Uganda Manufacturers Association.
The exercise that took place at the University’s Main hall started on Monday 12th December 2022 with students undergoing a robust training in financial Literacy, self employment and the frightening reality of transiting from school to work.
Mr. Francis Ssengendo, the Director Quality Assurance-Nkumba University lauded finalists who turned up for the training and noted that the University took up this partnership opportunity to empower graduating students with employability skills.
The lead Trainer and Senior projects Officer-Uganda Manufacturers ASsociation Mr. Patrick Mwesigye noted that indeed Universitys have done well in equiping students with their corresponding professional skills but that is not enough,”To face the world outside class, one needs to be equipped with soft skills, finalists need to understand the best way to transit from school to work and understand key concepts on how to maneuver the job market.” He asserted.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Dr. Frank Pio Kiyingi, the Academic Registrar Nkumba University thanked the team from Uganda Manufacturers ASsociation for chosing Nkumba University and appealed to students to take the training serious. “We train you to go out there and work, no body has died from working, be cool and calm because in that way, people will find it easy to work with you. As you work hard and smart, save,” Adding that, “be patient with yourself and avoid quick money.”
Some of the finalist who thronged the training hailed the University management for their thoughtfulness. Shema Bienvenu, a 3rd year Journalism and Public Relations finalist called it a rare apportunity.
While moving a vote of thanks on behalf of the student’s, Nansamba Jaon thanked both Uganda Manufacturers ASsociation and Nkumba University for their joint effort in ensuring that graduating students are ready for the employment.
As a suplimentary boost in preparing Nkumba University’s finalists, The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) and Nkumba University jointly assented to a one year renewable Memorandum of Understanding intended to equip Finalists with work related etiquettes and skills akin to communication, teamwork, problem-solving, creativity and innovation, entrepreneurship development, occupational health and safety, and organization skills.
Where as Youth account for 68% of the population in Uganda, Youth unemployment stands at a level between 64% and 70%.
It is also estimated that over 600,000/= Youth enter the job market every year but employers say that majority are half baked hence failing to exhibit basic tenets to fit the job competencies.
Uganda Manufacturers Association in partnership with Germany Cooperation-giz, Employment for Development -E4D, Norad and Gorvernment of Uganda developed the Access to Employment program in a bid to transcend the gap and prepare University Finalists for the much anticipated job market.
The project assists new graduates from vocational and university institutions in gaining practical skills through soft skills training. Trainees are later placed and alligned into industries for technical and hands on skills acquisition in their respective fields.
Access to Employment trainings are carried out at selected partner Universities, which include Kyambogo University, Makerere University, Makerere University Business School, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Buganda Royal Institute , and Kisubi Technical Institute.
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