Bridging the Skills Gap: Rethinking Project-Based Training in Technical and Vocational Education in Uganda

This paper investigated skills gap in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Uganda, based on assessment of six TVETs from five national examination series (November 2023 - May 2025). Evidence from on-site inspections, interviews, and photographs highlighted weak project-based learning marked by recycled projects, suboptimal learning conditions, material shortage, limited supervision and rigid curriculum which suppress creativity and scientific understanding. As a result, many graduates hold academic credentials but lack real-world competence. To bridge this gap, the paper proposes increased funding for practical training, strict enforcement of originality and technical standards, partnerships with industries, enhanced engagement with industry mentors and continuous professional development for trainers ensuring project-based training cultivate innovation, ethical engineering and workforce readiness. Keywords: Project-based Learning, Technical and Vocational Education, Engineering Skills Development.