In the ever-evolving water and wastewater management realm, the Vocational Skills Development Facility (VSDF) under the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has consistently taken the lead in transforming technicians. Since its inception in 2017, the VSDF, in collaboration with the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), has been unwavering in its commitment to validate and enhance the skills of technicians, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the dynamic demands of the sector.
The latest milestone in this journey is the ongoing assessments for Cohort 5, launched on Tuesday, 28th November 2023. This initiative signifies a crucial step in the continuous retooling of NWSC technicians, with 460 participants from various faculties undergoing specialized training. The diverse range of faculties includes Water Treatment Plant Technicians (WTPTs), Water Quality Control Technicians (WQCTs), Electromechanical Technicians (EMT), Faecal Sludge Plant Technicians (FSPTs), Sewage Plant Technicians (SPTs), and Industrial Plumbers (IPL).
Distributed across multiple centers, including Ggaba VSDF, WESREC facility, International Resource Centre (IREC), Lubigi Sewerage plant, and Bugolobi SSD, the assessments cover four faculties. The Field of Qualifications (FOQ) evaluations include two theory papers, encompassing Science & Calculation, and Management, Occupational Health and Safety, and Industrial Organization.
As of Wednesday, 29th November 2023, the assessments are progressing with remarkable momentum. FOQ participants are diligently completing their four days of assignments, while Workers’ PAS candidates are actively engaged in their modular competence-based assessments. By day’s end, an estimated 180 Workers’ PAS candidates will have successfully completed their modular tests.
The significance of these assessments lies not only in the individual accomplishments but also in the practical application of knowledge and skills acquired during the year-long training at their respective workstations. This resonates with NWSC’s corporate theme, emphasizing transformation, accountability, and sustainability in service delivery plans.
The success of the VSDF Workers’ PAS and FOQ Cohort 5 Assessments is a collective achievement, and NWSC expresses gratitude to key individuals and teams. Special thanks are extended to the corporation’s Managing Director, Dr. Eng Silver Mugisha, the Board, Top Management, Senior Director-BSS Dr. Rose Kaggwa, SM T&CD Madam Joyce Bakiire, training facility heads, area managers, the DIT team, vocational team verifiers, and the entire training team.
These ongoing assessments transcend individual competence; they reflect NWSC’s commitment to maintaining a skilled and proficient workforce. As technicians complete their evaluations, the impact of this training will undoubtedly contribute to the corporation’s continued success in providing transformative, accountable, and sustainable water solutions to the communities it serves.
