Blend of technical, soft skills can boost employability — experts
“Over the years, we have learnt that most youth cannot even express themselves before a panel. They do not have any soft skills, and this is why we shall have employers tell these youths first-hand what is required of them. We shall also have interview sessions, personal enhancement sessions and many activities,” Audrey noted.
Organisers say the event underscores the urgent need for public-private partnerships to address youth unemployment and ensure graduates are adequately prepared for life after university.
Experts observe that institutions of higher learning must be deliberate in blending technical and soft skills to enable their graduates to match the demands in the stiff job market.
According to Grace Audrey, the head of Learning and Development at BrighterMonday Uganda, recent research has shown a disconnect between what graduates bring to the job market and what is actually required of them.
Audrey was speaking on Monday as BrighterMonday Uganda, in partnership with the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), announced a forthcoming two-day Career Fair from October 27 to 28 at the IUIU Mbale Campus.
The career fair seeks to boost efforts channelled towards tackling youth unemployment and bridge the gap between academic instruction and workplace readiness.
“Over the years, we have learnt that most youth cannot even express themselves before a panel. They do not have any soft skills, and this is why we shall have employers tell these youths first-hand what is required of them. We shall also have interview sessions, personal enhancement sessions and many activities,” Audrey noted.
The event is expected to attract over 1,000 young people from across Eastern Uganda, bringing together 50 potential employers and graduating students in a bid to equip participants with both technical competencies and essential soft skills needed in the evolving job market.
“We are more than grateful to the IUIU team for this partnership. It reflects a shared commitment to supporting young people transitioning from education into employment.”
She added that while academic institutions like IUIU are doing commendable work in producing technically skilled graduates, many young professionals still face challenges securing employment due to a lack of soft skills such as effective communication, emotional intelligence, and leadership, which are increasingly valued by employers.
“There is a disconnect between technical skills and the soft skills needed in the job market. Our goal is to close that gap. We are offering all soft skills training, CV clinics, and employer engagement sessions at no cost to participants.”
The two-day fair will include career readiness workshops, employer engagement booths, soft skills training sessions, entrepreneurship mentorship corners, live interview simulations, salary negotiation workshops, and CV and cover letter enhancement clinics.
Participants will also have access to AI-powered career tools and direct networking opportunities with employers.
Dr. Ahmed Twaha Kasule, Director of IUIU Kampala Campus, lauded the initiative as both timely and aligned with the university’s broader mission to produce work-ready graduates.
“This collaboration is part of our broader theme of education, employability, and partnerships,” he said. The timing couldn’t be better, as we are approaching our graduation season. This gives our students a critical head-start in engaging with the job market,” Dr. Ahmed Twaha Kasule stated.
The Career Fair, the first of its kind in Eastern Uganda, is being positioned as a regional employment hub, offering a unique platform where job seekers, students, and employers converge to bridge the skills gap and drive economic empowerment.
Organisers say the event underscores the urgent need for public-private partnerships to address youth unemployment and ensure graduates are adequately prepared for life after university.