VOCATIONAL SKILLS ACQUISITION AND EMPLOYABILITY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING GRADUATES IN MBARARA CITY, UGANDA: EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP

Authors: Sabiti Trophy, Sudi Balimutajjo & Wilson Mathembele

ABSTRACT

Vocational skills acquisition is widely promoted as a pathway to improving graduate employability, yet the strength of this relationship among mechanical engineering graduates in Ugandan urban centres remains under-documented. This article, drawn from a wider study, examined the relationship between vocational skills acquisition and employability of mechanical engineering graduates in Mbarara City, Uganda. A cross-sectional research design nested within a mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative data were collected from 105 mechanical engineering graduate alumni using a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained from four tutors and three headteachers through semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, and thematic analysis. Findings revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between vocational skills acquisition and employability (r = 0.571, p = 0.000). Technical competencies, practical/hands-on skills, problem-solving and innovation skills, communication and teamwork skills, and occupational safety and professional work practices jointly explained 69.2% of the variance in employability (R² = 0.692, F(5, 99) = 44.47, p = 0.000). Vocational skills acquisition is an important, though not exclusive, determinant of employability among mechanical engineering graduates. Vocational institutions should modernise practical training equipment, strengthen industrial attachment and employer partnerships, and integrate career guidance and entrepreneurship support alongside technical instruction.

Keywords: Vocational skills acquisition, Employability, Mechanical engineering graduates, Technical and vocational education, Mbarara City

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