Vocational Training

At UREEP, we believe that empowering vulnerable young girls with practical skills is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and dependency. Through our comprehensive Vocational Training and Empowerment programs, we aim to enhance their employability and promote economic independence, giving them the tools to build sustainable and self-sufficient futures. Our training programs are designed to provide young girls with hands-on experience, relevant certifications, and pathways to meaningful employment in various industries.

1. Comprehensive Vocational Training Programs

Our vocational training programs are built on nationally recognized curricula provided by the Uganda Business & Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) under the guidance of the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC). This ensures that our trainees receive high-quality education that is aligned with industry standards and best practices. The programs focus on practical, in-demand skills that open up a wide range of employment opportunities for young girls, particularly in fields where women are traditionally underrepresented.

• Certificate Programs: UREEP offers a variety of certification courses designed to equip young girls with technical and vocational skills that are highly sought after in the job market. These include:
  • Welding and Fabrication: Trainees will learn the skills required to work in metal fabrication and welding, preparing them for roles in construction, manufacturing, and other related industries.
  • Fashion and Design: This course will cover garment construction, pattern making, textile design, and entrepreneurship, empowering girls to enter the fashion industry or start their own clothing lines.
  • Nursing: UREEP will offer certification programs in nursing, where trainees will learn essential healthcare skills, including patient care, basic medical procedures, and healthcare administration.
  • Electrical Installation Systems and Maintenance: This course focuses on electrical wiring, installations, and maintenance of electrical systems, providing graduates with the expertise needed for careers in the construction and energy sectors.
• Short Courses: In addition to full certification programs, UREEP will offer short-term courses designed to provide essential skills in rapidly growing sectors, such as:
  • Website Design: A three-month course teaching the fundamentals of web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, allowing students to build and manage websites.
  • Graphics Design: This course will cover the basics of digital design, branding, and visual communication, equipping students with the skills to pursue freelance opportunities or work in marketing and advertising.

3. Partnerships and Community Collaboration

UREEP recognizes that success in vocational training is not just about education, but also about creating strong networks and support systems. To this end, we will foster collaborations with social workers, school leaders, teachers, and local government officials to identify and support vulnerable young girls who will benefit from our programs.

• Identifying Candidates: Social workers, in collaboration with school administrators and community leaders, will help identify girls who are at risk of dropping out of school or who face significant barriers to traditional education. These young girls will be matched with vocational training programs that best suit their interests and abilities.
• Engaging Local Employers: We will build partnerships with local businesses and industries to provide internships, apprenticeships, and job placements for graduates. These partnerships will ensure that our students have real-world experience and a direct pathway to employment upon completing their training.

3. Pathways to Employment and Entrepreneurship

The ultimate goal of UREEP’s vocational training programs is to empower young girls with the skills and confidence they need to enter the workforce or start their own businesses. Upon completing their training, students will receive recognized certifications that demonstrate their competency to potential employers. UREEP will also provide additional resources to help students transition into the workforce or become entrepreneurs.

• Job Placement Services: UREEP will offer job placement services to connect graduates with employment opportunities in their local communities. We will work with local industries and employers to identify job openings and help our students apply for these positions.
• Entrepreneurship Support: For those interested in starting their own businesses, UREEP will provide entrepreneurship training and mentorship. This includes guidance on how to start a small business, access to microloans, and ongoing support from experienced business mentors.

Young people can access these services through the organisation’s offices in rural Mukono
district and other districts as we expand. Social workers will play a key role in reaching out to
school leaders, teachers, and local government officials to identify and engage with vulnerable
youth, ensuring they are aware of and can benefit from the available training programmes.