The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) on May 3, 2024, graduated over 535 staff members at the Gaba Vocational Skills Development Facility.
They acquired Practically Acquired Skills (PAS) at the NWSC Vocational Skills Development Facility (VSDF) in Ggaba on the outskirts of Kampala.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Water and Environment Hon. Sam Cheptoris, and the Board and Management of NWSC.
The graduates completed training in industrial plumbing, industrial electro-mechanical installation, welding, and Heavy Equipment Operations.
In her speech, Hon. Aisha Sekindi, State Minister for Water, said training is the cornerstone of organizational development, empowering staff with the skills and capabilities to provide excellent services to the people of Uganda.
“Together, we are committed to delivering top-notch service and making a positive impact in our communities.”
Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha NWSC Managing Director, told the staff that success in life comes from a combination of three elements.
“[That is] the subject mastery you have gained, the networks you (will) build, and your personal conduct.”
“Strengthening collaboration with stakeholders within the education sector and outside so as to foster value addition of the attained skills and knowledge,” noted Eng. Dr. Bandru.M.Kiggundu, NWSC Board Chairman.
“At NWSC, we believe that a well-trained workforce is the cornerstone of improved service delivery as training allows employees to acquire new skills, sharpen existing ones perform better, increase productivity and be better leaders,” said Dr. Rose Kaggwa, Senior Director of Business and Scientific Services.
According to Dr. Patrick Byakatonda, Director of DIT, industrial qualifications transcend the boundaries of traditional education.
“At NWSC, we celebrate expertise, skill, and experience, whether gained through formal schooling or hands-on learning. Because in the realm of industry, what truly matters is your ability to get the job done effectively,” he noted.
NWSC established the VSDF in 2013 after realizing that there was inadequate training/skilling for the shop floor staff, including plumbers, electro-mechanical technicians, customer advisers and water quality technicians.
The VSDF was established with support from GIZ and is accredited by the Directorate of Industrial Training under the Ministry of Education and Sports.
PAS training makes the transition from the informal to the formal education and training sector much easier. It enables vocational experience and skills acquired on the job to be validated and recognized.
