National Apprenticeship and Graduate Volunteer Programme

The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) is implementing the National Apprenticeship and Graduate Volunteer (NAGV) Programme, which aims to equip unemployed and underemployed youth with structured, employment-based learning and work readiness skills.

The Programme comprises two components: Apprenticeship Training, which provides employment-based learning through a combination of structured on-the-job and off-the-job training, including end-point assessments to deliver full occupational competencies; and Graduate Volunteering, which offers fresh graduates practical work experience through placements in public institutions, private entities, civil society organisations, and UN agencies.

Following the Cabinet’s approval of the Uganda National Apprenticeship Framework (UNAF) in 2018, the Ministry was tasked to lead the implementation of the Programme across priority sectors. To date, 934 apprentices and 242 graduate volunteers have been recruited and supported under the Programme, with funding from the Government of Uganda and development partners, including the UNDP, ILO, CSC Koblenz, and Enabel. The Programme has achieved a commendable employment transition rate of 71.73%, underscoring its significant contribution to enhancing youth employability, productivity, and national development.