Youth Should Embrace Technical and Vocational Education for Real Opportunities — Experts Say | ChimpReports
Education specialists, government representatives, and development partners are urging Uganda’s youth to view technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a vital route to jobs, innovation, and nationwide progress.
The appeal came over the weekend at a vocational skills fair and competition at Lugogo Vocational Training Institute, where students demonstrated proficiency in trades such as electrical installation, building construction, and carpentry.
Speakers stressed that the event underscored the growing importance of vocational careers and the necessity of transforming long-held beliefs that treat technical education as a last resort.
Ham Wilson Lukurwe, an expert in education and skills development, asserted that the fair proved vocational training lies at the heart of the country’s economic evolution.
“Technical education is not merely a fallback; it is a robust pathway to employment and a driver of innovation,” Lukurwe explained. He added that the showcased innovations challenge stereotypes that deter many youths from pursuing TVET. “Choosing TVET puts you on the right career path.”
The fair carried the theme “Choose vocational education; get skilled and be unstoppable,” and was organized with the support of Enabel, the Belgian Development Agency.
Innocent Kemigisha Mukooli, Senior TVET Officer at the Ministry of Education and Sports, urged the public—especially parents—to discard the notion that vocational training is for academic underachievers.
“TVET equips you with skills and can make you unstoppable. Look at developed nations—Japan, Belgium, the USA, and South Korea—that have wholeheartedly embraced TVET. Perceptions must change. TVET is not a sign of failure,” she stated.
She highlighted that major global infrastructure projects demonstrate the essential role of technically skilled workers. “Who builds big roads and skyscrapers? The masons and technicians trained through TVET.”
Emmanuel Kisangala, project manager for Enabel’s We Work initiative, emphasized that broad adoption of vocational careers is not only about creating jobs but also about fueling innovation and sustainability in a fast-changing world economy.
“TVET offers a practical, empowering route to employment, dignity, innovation, and economic advancement. Yet misconceptions, stereotypes, and gender bias still discourage many youths from enrolling,” Kisangala observed. “As a result, the economy loses talent, and young people miss opportunities they deserve.”
He noted that skills competitions are helping restore confidence in vocational education and motivate youths to pursue paths leading to self-reliance. Kisangala urged parents to support their children in acquiring the practical skills needed in rising sectors such as renewable energy and green technologies.
“The world is changing, and Uganda needs competent plumbers, electricians, metal fabricators, carpenters, renewable-energy technicians, builders, and innovators,” he said. “We are promoting technical excellence and opening doors to decent work for Ugandan youth. To parents and guardians: encourage your sons and daughters to learn a skill.”
