Nakawa vocational institute launches sh400m showroom
Mar 15, 2020
The institute looks to improve its employment-oriented vocational training. The institute wants to disseminate its experience to other BTVET institutions.
EDUCATION SKILLING
In a bid to produce more skilled, creative and job creators, Nakawa Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) launched a new wood showroom on February 28.
According to the Head of woodwork at the institute Tom Olwa, the new showroom will expose students to basic concepts to equip students with practical skills that are much needed to develop woodwork projects.
"NVTI is now set to train more woodwork students in the new machinery showroom," Olwa said.
The newly built woodwork showroom
NVTI is one of the four public vocational training institutes directly operated and administered by the Ministry of Education, through the Business, Technical and Vocational Education and Training Directorate.
Woodwork
According to Richard Nyanzi, an instructor at NVTI, the woodwork programme offers practical, rather than theoretical lessons, which enhances trainees' understanding of the new technologies in woodwork.
Through the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET-LEAD) project, the institute looks to improve its employment-oriented vocational training. The institute wants to disseminate its experience to other BTVET institutions.
Fred Muwanga, the institute's principal, says the institute has established a public-private partnership. In this partnership, NVTI's instructors and staff work together with members from private sectors to identify training needs and develop programmes to address the needs.
Most educationists agree that business, technical and vocational schools should be the rod that strikes a path through the country's sea of unemployment, but it definitely needs more support.
The Institute is now set and ready to train more carpentry students in woodwork following the successful commissioning of their showroom.
The 49-year-old institute is responding to the growing need for more skilled carpenters in Uganda's private sector.
HWK Cologne's support
To implement this showroom, Nakawa, through Handwerkskammer zu Köln (HWK) Cologne's support acquired a state-of-the-art showroom.
The state-of-the-art showroom was built with support from Handwerkskammer zu Köln (HWK) cologne.
Cornelia Zupp giving a speech at the function
Cornelia Zupp the technical advisor on the project thanked Thomas Radermacher a member of the HWK cologne for being a key figure in the implementation of the project.
Zupp revealed that they imported the showroom machines from German. "These machines are needed in day to day operations in the woodwork course," she added
"The new showroom is meant to expand the scope to very many Ugandan carpenters, and so woodwork students should use this chance," said the Principal at the commissioning of the showroom at the institute on Friday.
The commissioned showroom is worth sh400million.
Dr Safina Museene, the Commissioner Business, Technical and Vocational Education and Training-BTVET in the Education Ministry, said the NVTI's adjustments are intended to produce highly skilled professionals.
She explained that they are currently working on compiling suitable training content that will ensure that vocational professionals produced locally can favourably compete for jobs at regional and international markets.
Museene applauded the management of the institute for the idea of putting up a new block that would enhance talents of students.
She emphasised that the country was preparing students for the modern age where artwork and technology are crucial for socio-economic transformation.
Robert Oceng giving a speech while commissioner Museene looks on.
Robert Oceng the Commissioner for Higher Education and Training at the Ministry of Education described the showroom as an "imposing structure in the institute's environment" that will significantly contribute to the country's economic development.
Oceng represented the Permanent Secretary of the ministry at the official launch of the building
Oceng said vocational education has the potential to curb the high unemployment rate since many people will have the skills to start their own jobs and even employ others, a move towards job creation.