Bridging Uganda’s Graduate Skills Gap: The Role of Internships and Vocational Training in Enhancing Employability

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of internship and vocational training on the employability of university graduates in Uganda, addressing the persistent skills gap between higher education and the labor market. Using a systematic review of 48 empirical studies published between 2010 and 2024, the analysis covers graduates from leading Ugandan universities such as Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kyambogo University, Uganda Christian University, and Kampala International University, as well as top vocational and technical institutions including Uganda Technical Colleges (Elgon, Lira, Bushenyi, and Kichwamba), Nakawa Vocational Training Institute, St. Joseph’s Technical Institute Kisubi, YMCA Comprehensive Institute, and Buganda Royal Institute of Business and Technical Education. The findings show that participation in internship and vocational training programmes enhances graduates’ technical competencies, soft skills, and overall employability. Graduates with such exposure reported higher employment rates, greater job satisfaction, and improved career progression compared to those without. These results show the need to integrate structured internship and vocational training components into university curricula and national workforce development strategies. The study contributes empirical evidence to guide universities, vocational institutions, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in aligning academic training with labor market demands.