Women making money in a man’s world

Oct 06, 2009

HANDS-ON<br><br>Sarah Musoke has never regretted the day she took a course in electric installation. Unlike many women who cannot even fix a light bulb, Musoke can install power in people’s homes. She is able to earn a living and maintain her small f

HANDS-ON

By Juliet Lukwago and Juliet Waiswa

Sarah Musoke has never regretted the day she took a course in electric installation. Unlike many women who cannot even fix a light bulb, Musoke can install power in people’s homes. She is able to earn a living and maintain her small family.

Musoke opted for a course in electrical installation after admiring other women who had done similar courses. She then registered for the course at St. Joseph’s Technical Institute, Kisubi in 2002. She completed in 2004.

Musoke, now a stores manager at the department of electrical installation at the school, is also a tutor.

Musoke is not the only successful former student of the technical institute, others include Kampala’s businessman and proprietor of Sebaggala and Sons electrical centre.

She says installing power in people’s homes earns her higher income than repairing radios or television sets.

“It is normal for women to take on this type of course although most have fears when it comes to climbing up electricity poles and fixing wires,” Musoke says.

Electrical installation is a two-year certificate course at St. Joseph’s Technical Institute. Anyone who has completed Senior Four, Six or who has apprentice experience, can register for it. The only requirement is a good pass in mathematics and other science subjects.

With recent innovations in science and technology, the institute has come up with new programmes that help students meet required global standards.

“Since the inception of electrical installation in 1970, the department has diversified its scope of training in an attempt to meet the demands of the job market,” says the principal, David Iga.

He says the institute specialises in giving students hands-on skills.

There are also evening programmes in areas like mechanical, electrical and civil engineering, building and architecture offered at diploma level.

The institute also offers two-year programmes in block laying, plumbing and carpentry and joinery on both full time and part time basis.

The German government recently set up a plumbing and carpentry section to help accommodate the increasing number of students. Through its partnership with Norway, the institute is able to get exchange programmes where tutors learn through study tours.

The institute also works hand in hand with Victoria Motors that provides the students with a two-month internship in motor vehicle mechanics.

Iga, however, says few parents want their children to join vocational institutions. Vocational education is usually a last resort.

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