Alignment of institutional knowledge with industry requirements: Effects on holistic TVET certificate graduates in Kampala Metropolitan, Uganda

Abstract

The alignment between institutional training and industry requirements is fundamental to producing employable Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates in Uganda. This study examined the effect of this alignment on holistic TVET certificate graduates in Kampala Metropolitan. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed, collecting quantitative data from 375 graduates using structured questionnaires and qualitative data from 10 key informants (principals and industrial partners) through interviews. The findings reveal that theoretical knowledge and trainer competence enable rapid workplace adaptation (Mean=4.35), with industry supervisors affirming training relevance (Mean=4.25). However, curriculum coverage of latest technologies showed substantial variability (Mean=3.98, SD=0.966). A significant positive relationship was found between institutional-industry knowledge alignment and holistic graduate outcomes (r=0.598, p<0.001), with regression analysis showing that alignment explains 35.8% of the variance in holistic outcomes (R²=0.358). Qualitative findings confirmed that curricula are often outdated (10+ years since last review) and institutions use manual equipment while industry uses automated systems. The study concludes that while theoretical knowledge and trainer competence effectively enable workplace adaptation, systemic gaps in curriculum currency and equipment alignment limit full graduate preparedness. It recommends mandatory three-year curriculum review cycles, a centralized equipment modernization fund, formal Industry Advisory Committees for each trade programme, and a national Dual Training Framework.