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As the world of work receives graduates for employment opportunities, employers are more interested in graduates who are problem solvers at the workplace.

This was revealed by the director of the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), Patrick Byakatonda, during the 7th graduation at Malaika Vocational and Business Institute on Friday, April 5th, in Kampala.

Byakatonda noted that, as much as vocational skills are marketable, employers are interested in those employees who will add to the company.

“Those of you who are planning to be employed, make sure you have attained enough skills that you are willing to share with fellow employees, Byakatonda noted.

He also urged workers to ensure their presence is felt at the workplace.

“Make sure your employers miss your impact when you are not at work, other than when they do not even notice it,” he said. 

Ambassador Robert Masolo, one of the institution's directors, urged graduates to be productive in whatever discipline they had graduated from.

“No one should discourage you for the kind of discipline you graduate with today, but instead make sure you use it to achieve more while also impacting your communities,” he said.

He noted that most of the economies in the world are shifting success simply because such economies have embraced the power of technical and vocational skills.

Over 100 students graduated in various disciplines, such as a diploma in fashion and design, a diploma in catering and hotel management, a diploma in beauty therapy, a certificate in cosmetology, a certificate in fashion and design, a certificate in catering and hotel management, a certificate in hairdressing, beauty, and therapy, among others.

Jeniffer Mwijukye, a business mentor and entrepreneur, also noted that the Ugandan government has opened doors to skilling to enable nationals to attain skills and be able to go out and support themselves.

She said that there are many job opportunities waiting out there, where some will be employed while others will be self-employed.

She noted that, with respectable and hardworking mentors like Donah Masolo, one of the institution's directors, she is optimistic the graduates will be successful.

In her speech, Donah urged graduates to be good ambassadors of Jesus Christ, who enables men and women to be successful.

“With all the skills you have attained, I am sure you will be successful, but always embrace God first in everything you do, " she said.