ICT stakeholders want more practical career based skills training

Jun 24, 2015

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts have welcomed institutional initiatives that encourage hands-on training for more employability

By Oyet Okwera

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts have welcomed institutional initiatives that encourage
hands-on training for more employability.


However, stakeholders want more practical skills-based training to meet the growing demands of ICT in the country.

Fred Omach, the state minister for finance (general duties) said the growing technological trend should present institutions with the opportunity to redevelop a more practical curriculum.

"Ensure that you align your curriculum to encourage students become more productive and practical coupled with relevance in the industry practice," said Omach.

He was officiating at the Annual career Quest and Scholarship Awarding ceremony of Aptech Computer Education at the Auditorium of International School of Business and Technology, Lugogo bypass.

He noted that the Future Education and Technology Group has been setting the pace and standards in Education and practical training through opening a new campus for International School of Business and Technology (ISBAT) at Lugogo bypass.

Omach was speaking on behalf of the guest of honour, Jessica Alupo, the Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Sports during the Scholarship Awarding and Career Quest. In

her written speech, Alupo advised ICT institutions to emulate the transition Aptech has taken through devising more ICT disciplines with relevance to Uganda's current demand.

"With this progression, I am happy that more Ugandans should be able to appreciate ICT and serve the growing number of clients in different firms. We can only achieve this through creating stronger foundations in our education system," said Alupo.

She encouraged youths to embrace ICT training because it has become unavoidable since almost everything we do is ICT based.

The minister however cautioned against ICT malpractice like hacking, and pirating software, which is unethical code of conduct.

"As we strive to acquire these skills, let us all be wary of cybercrime which is now a trend in the market through working with security officials," said Alupo

The minister revealed that government is seeking to ensure that acquisition of practical skills begins from lower levels of education to encourage hands-on.

According to Ramesh Chandra, the Indian High Commissioner in Uganda, India will continue supporting Ugandan youths through offering study opportunities in the form of scholarships. Chandra cautioned young people against activities that may affect their career and advised them to remain focused in their quest for more skills.

The Chairman of Future Education and Technology Group of which Aptech Computer Education is a member institution, Varghese Mundamattam thanked government for the enabling environment to allow investments in Quality Education and Training.

Mundamattam pledged Aptech's commitment to introduce more ICT disciplines with relevance to Uganda's trend of business.  

The seminar attracted over 800 students from selected schools across the country and the presenters were; Martyn Thomas, Director from Middlesex University UK, and Pravir Arora, the President of Aptech Global.

A total of 43 scholarships were awarded to various students to have studies at Middlesex Campuses and Aptech Kampala.
 

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