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An increasing number of students with excellent O’Level grades are now choosing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs in Uganda. This shift, observed by officials involved in student selection and placement for technical institutions, marks a departure from previous perceptions that TVET was predominantly for academically challenged students.
Traditionally, TVET was seen as a secondary option primarily for students who faced difficulties securing placement in A’Level due to poor academic performance. However, recent observations during the selection process at institutions like Nakawa Vocational Institute in the central region indicate a significant presence of students with first and second-grade results from the 2023 UCE examinations.
Henry Yiga Bukenya, the Academic Registrar of Ahmed Sseguya Memorial Technical Institute, highlighted this shift by revealing that his institution received applications from students with as low as 18 aggregates, a notable deviation from previous norms. Typically, applicants with above 40 aggregates were considered exceptional, but the influx of first-grade applicants signifies a new trend in technical education.
During the selection process, academic registrars like Dickens Okello from Kakira Community Technical Institute noticed that many applicants not only excelled in secondary school but also showcased outstanding performances at the primary level. This trend underscores a growing appreciation for TVET among high-achieving students and their families.
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Dickens Okello and other academic officials acknowledged this paradigm shift, emphasizing that TVET is no longer perceived solely as a refuge for academic underachievers. Instead, it is recognized as a pathway for skill acquisition and lifelong learning, reflecting changing attitudes towards technical education.
Eng. Eddy Turyatemba, the Assistant Commissioner overseeing Vocational Education and Training, affirmed this positive trend, noting a gradual increase in high-performing students opting for TVET. He emphasized that TVET institutions now prioritize individuals genuinely interested in technical education, regardless of their academic background.
While Western Uganda has shown significant progress, with even top-scoring students choosing TVET, other regions are slower in embracing technical education. Goodman Ornan, the Academic Registrar at Nakawa Vocational Training College, welcomed the influx of students with strong backgrounds in science subjects, noting their rapid adaptation to TVET programs.
Ornan highlighted the relevance of science subjects in TVET courses such as motor vehicle engineering and electrical engineering, emphasizing the advantage for students well-versed in these disciplines. However, he stressed the need for greater awareness and sensitization about TVET’s benefits among parents and communities.
Harriet Kagezi, Principal of Ntinda Vocational Training Institute, affirmed that while preference is given to academically strong students, TVET remains open to all learners. She emphasized that TVET offers an inclusive environment where students labeled as poor performers can excel, attributing their success to the hands-on training approach.
Kagezi highlighted the misconception surrounding TVET in the past, emphasizing its role in providing a viable career path for learners. She underscored the potential for TVET graduates to pursue further education or enter the workforce with valuable skills, thereby contributing to national development.
As part of TVET reforms, the Ministry of Education is proposing the establishment of a National Technical University to provide clear progression pathways for TVET graduates. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for advancement within technical fields, including the possibility of attaining advanced degrees.
Despite the notable increase in high-performing students choosing TVET, the overall number of applicants to technical institutions is also rising. This surge necessitates government support in expanding facilities, increasing instructors, and enhancing amenities to accommodate growing enrollment.
The increasing interest in TVET among students and parents reflects a changing perception of technical education as a viable and rewarding career path. As Uganda continues to prioritize skills development and economic growth, TVET plays a crucial role in equipping the workforce with relevant competencies for the future.
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