ATC Uganda industrial trainee program: shaping career journeys

Securing a good job in Uganda has become increasingly challenging for fresh graduates due to the high number of job seekers compared to available positions. Currently, Uganda has a youth unemployment rate of 6.58 percent, indicating the share of the workforce aged 15 to 24 actively searching for work but not currently employed. (Source: Uganda Bureau of Statistics.)

Academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient to stand out in the competitive job market. Employers now seek skilled individuals who can perform without extensive training – employees who are adaptable, results-oriented, and can handle pressure. This is why internships in reputable organizations like ATC Uganda have become essential for young graduates’ career development.

ATC Uganda recently celebrated the successful completion of its Industrial Training Program by eight trainees. This one-year accelerated development initiative aims to identify and provide young talent with professional training in various fields, enhancing their skills and employability.

Sarah Kyomugisha, a 25-year-old graduate in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from Makerere University Kampala, spoke highly of her experience during the training. She had the opportunity to rotate through different departments, including finance, procurement, and supply chain. Additionally, she spent time at the ATC warehouse, interacting with various suppliers, which greatly improved her people skills. Sarah now feels fully prepared to take on any role, even at the managerial level. She credits the CEO of ATC Uganda, Dorothy Ssemanda, for providing personal encouragement that boosted her confidence. Inspired by this support, Sarah has decided to pursue a professional course in procurement.

Bridget Natsumi, a graduate in Science in Telecom Engineering from Makerere University, emphasized the enriching experience she gained during the program. Under the guidance of her supervisor, Bridget had the opportunity to engage in practical work and interact with professionals at ATC Uganda who willingly provided guidance. She encourages other fresh graduates to remain persistent in seeking similar opportunities, as she believes her placement at ATC Uganda has been instrumental in her professional growth.

Emmanuel Cherotich, a graduate in Qualitative Economics from Makerere University, also recognizes the value of such training for every graduate. The program offered Emmanuel a dynamic understanding of the corporate working environment and helped him develop interpersonal skills crucial for success in the job market.

Racheal Tukashaba, a graduate of Commerce-Accounting from Makerere University Business School, expressed gratitude for the connections, practical skills, and interpersonal communication abilities she acquired during the one-year training. Racheal looks forward to becoming a professional accountant after completing her current professional course.

During the send-off ceremony for the first cohort of trainees, ATC Uganda’s CEO, Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, emphasized the practical and impactful nature of the training program. Its primary goal is to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants, enabling them to compete effectively in both the national and international job markets.

ATC Uganda remains committed to upskilling young graduates to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Uganda.Through the industrial trainee program, fresh graduates have the opportunity to gain practical skills in their respective fields and improve their competitiveness in the job market.

The ATC Uganda Industrial Training Program, launched in 2022, offers promising young graduates a competitive advantage in securing employment within ATC Uganda and beyond. The program is open to unemployed fresh graduates from recognized tertiary institutions who have obtained a first-class or second-class upper degree.