Competencies of A’ Level Graduates as Future Labor Market Participants in Uganda

Abstract

: This study examined the current state of competencies of A' Level graduates in Uganda compared with the views of the desired competencies in line with society's needs and the world of work to guide the future A ‘level transformation. The study employed a mixed-methods approach and a cross-sectional survey design, involving various stakeholders, including university registrars, lecturers, human resource officers of different institutions, A' Level leavers, parents/sponsors, and other officials involved in training A ‘level students’ completion. The study shows that A' Level graduates have deficits of desired competencies in line with society's needs and the world of work. The study reveals that A' Level graduates have expanded general knowledge of national and global issues and learn new concepts faster, but they lack creativity, hands-on practical skills and generic competencies. Contrarily, the society and the world of work believes that the A ‘Level leavers are not prepared to using the possessed theoretical knowledge in practice and are not grounded with critical thinking, creativity, ICT, communication, problem-solving skills, positive attitude towards vocational/hands-on work, resilience, and honesty. The study recommends a review of Uganda's A' Level curriculum that will focus on acquiring practical experiences through competence-based training, improving communication, ICT, business, and entrepreneurship skills, and incorporating vocational education to probably lead to the lessening of competence gap.