Skills in the SB4U context is defined ‘as the ability and capacity acquired through deliberate, systematic, and sustained effort to smoothly and adaptively carry out complex economic activities or job functions involving (1) ideas (cognitive skills), (2) things (technical skills), and/or (3) people (interpersonal skills).

It was established in a skills assessment carried out by the SB4U that the majority of the workforce that is currently produced by Uganda’s education and training system ( 1) is either reluctant to accept the working conditions that the private sector is able to offer or (2) does not meet the job specific requirements set by companies due to weaknesses in their skill sets attained. . It was established that job applicants do not bring the right skills, attitude, and work ethics to perform in accordance with the job requirements.

While serious efforts are made to improve Uganda’s training system and to support the labour force in obtaining employable skills, many young people are not acquiring the cognitive, socio-emotional, technical as well as practical skills needed by the private sector. There is therefore need to bridge the gap between what skills people seeking employment have and what is needed by the private sector. Facilitation of rigorous employment and labour governance to ensure the economy creates and sustains sufficient decent and productive employment/job opportunities for people with all education and training backgrounds is key.