Assessing market needs to strengthen the curriculum of TVET and Higher education
In December 2020, trainers from Q-Point, were in Uganda to discuss the results of the labor market needs assessment (LMNA) that was carried out for the project “Strengthening skills and training capacity in the horticulture sector in Uganda”.
During the project visit to Uganda, the results of the LMNA were presented to the stakeholders from the private sector, educational institutes, NICA and ministries. Through the LMNA, labor marked needs could be mapped and gaps were identified.
To find out where the gaps in the system are, mainly directors and managers of private organizations (81%) were interviewed. Through the assessment it became clear that operational challenges among others are, that there is a lack of technical knowledge and skills in the workforce, a lack of practical skills, low level of commitment and poor working culture. Furthermore, the agricultural sector in Uganda is in need of people with hard skills such as crop system management knowledge, soil & water management knowledge, marketing skills and financial management skills. However, also soft skills are important sought-after competencies, such as strong communication skills, management skills and a good work ethic.
Furthermore, as a result of the LMNA, 75% of the respondents shared to have training needs, with agribusiness management and marketing of horticulture products being the most needed training courses. Also, the participants of the assessment, expressed to be highly interested in joining a horticulture innovation platform where internships can be provided, they can participate in training courses and have a dialogue.
These results started an interesting discussion with the stakeholders on how to take these finding to the next level in order to improve the curriculum at the involved TVET and HE organizations.
Curriculum assessment
Also, project partner InHolland presented their findings of the curriculum assessment that they conducted at Bukalasa Agricultural College and Kyambogo University. Through combining the needs of the market with the current curriculum, gaps can be found in the curriculum which could be action points to improve the curriculum to the needs of the market.
The work visit to Uganda was a successful trip where the results of the LMNA and curriculum assessment were shared and discussed. As a next step the project partners are now working on a timeline to introduce new programs composed of the findings in August 2021.
About the project
MSM manages this project of which the aim is to strengthen skills to improve the horticulture situation in Uganda. Through the help of the project, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Higher Education (HE) organizations will be able to better perform their core tasks and are firmly embedded in in their environment and in line with specific labor market needs and inclusiveness.
Orange Knowledge Programme
This project is part of the Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) which is funded by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and managed by Nuffic. For more information click here.
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