Atugonza Shadrack opened his welding workshop in Masindi two years ago. Today he trains two apprentices in there, while catering to his clients. “At Shadrack Metal Works the students first observe the work but then they do it themselves. There are no books here, only practical! “

As an experienced artisan, Atugoza has much practical knowledge to pass on to his apprentices. The challenge is that he doesn’t really know how. That is why the Support to Skilling Uganda (SSU) project organizes pedagogical trainings for mastercraft persons like him. Topics range from coaching techniques, to activity planning and financial management.

Mastercraft persons are taught to use Skills Development Plans to develop  a curriculum for practical training. This is to avoid that the apprentices keep repeating the same tasks or do tasks that are irrelevant for their education. The curriculums are based on the Assessment Training Package of the Ugandan Ministry of Education.

Atugonza also found it useful to participate in SSU-organized trainings on Customer Service and Safety Provisions. “Now I know how to deliver quality work, while keeping safe working conditions in my shop. It makes me embrace higher standards.”

At the workshop Atugonza teaches the apprentices to cut metal and weld items such as windows and doors. He encourages them to take classes at technical institutes in the region, as this will broaden their knowledge and allows them to get certified.

By upgrading the pedagogical skills of these artisans, the SSU project aims to improve the quality of practical training in the Albertine-Rwenzori region.