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Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research

Comparative Employability Outcomes of Structured Internship and Vocational Training Programs in Uganda

Authors: Dr. Mategeko Betty1 , Ahumuza Audrey2 , Dr. Twinomujuni Rosebell3

Journal: Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research (MJAAR)

Volume/Issue: Volume 5 - Issue 6

Published: 06 Jul 2026


Abstract

Youth unemployment remains one of Uganda's most pressing socioeconomic challenges, with approximately 62% of young people aged 18–30 years lacking stable, gainful employment. This study examined and compared the employability outcomes of structured internship programs (SI) and vocational training programs (VT) relative to a control group of graduates who participated in neither intervention, with the overarching aim of generating evidencebased insights to guide workforce development policy and practice in Uganda. A cross-sectional comparative research design was employed, and data were collected from 400 purposively and systematically sampled participants drawn from three cohorts across four districts in Uganda (Kampala, Mbarara, Gulu, and Mbale). Structured questionnaires and employer satisfaction tools were administered between January and March 2026. Key employability outcome indicators included employment rate, monthly earnings, time-to-first-job, job satisfaction, skills utilisation, and an aggregated employability index. Data were analysed at three levels: univariate analysis (frequencies, means, standard deviations), bivariate analysis (one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlations, chi-square tests), and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using maximum likelihood estimation with robust standard errors. Results revealed that SI participants attained a mean employment rate of 72.4% compared to 64.8% for VT participants and 38.6% for the control group (F=84.72, p
Keywords

employability, structured internship, vocational training, youth unemployment, Uganda, structural equation modelling

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