While addressing graduates of the Youth Employment Enhancement Project (YEEP) on Thursday at St Simon Peters Vocational Training Centre, Hoima, Malinga said the oil and gas industry alone where $20b will be invested over the next three years, 16,000 jobs will be created during peak production  and 75% of these jobs will require people with vocational and technical skills.

“Shortage of skilled workforce, lack of data on existing skills and how these relate to the current demand in the sector, lack of communication on the details of jobs available in the industry and the required qualifications stagnates the sector. Through the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, the National Talent Register is being developed,” Malinga said.

Over 220 artisans received international certification in welding, fabrication and pipework, electrical engineering, scaffolding erection and inspection at the graduation.

Fr Joseph Bigirwa, the director of St Simon Peters Vocational Training Centre encouraged the graduates to pursue self-development relentlessly as a multi-dimensional concept encompassing spoken languages, mental perseverance, events organisation skills and physical elements.

“Strive to develop to international standards. Acquire new forms of knowledge and move society for the indefinite future,” Bigirwa said.