Vocational education and training (VET) graduates and the labour market in Uganda: A Case Study of Art and Industrial Design at Kyambogo University

Abstract

This study looked into the relevance of knowledge and skills acquired by Vocational Education and Training graduates in the field of Art and Industrial design at Kyambogo University in relation to the changing requirements of the labour market I world of work in Uganda during the last century. A descriptive research design was followed, in which questionnaires; an interview guide, record form and an observation guide were used to collect data from a sample that included lecturers, students in industrial training, employers and recent graduates. The research findings revealed a mismatch between the knowledge and skills acquired by graduates and the knowledge and skills demanded on the labour market. The researcher concluded that practical skills gained by graduates tend to remain on the level of theoretical learning since the methods employed in teaching and learning do not emphasize the hands-on pedagogical approach of learning in relation to the world of work. It is recommended that the Government of Uganda focuses more attention on and equips vocational institutions including Kyambogo University, and the Department of Art and Industrial Design in particular, with materials, equipment and instruction capable of enhancing vocational pedagogical learning needed in working life.