By Kabuye Ronald
Mechanics in Uganda have been urged to be professional not only in execution of their duties but also endeavor to get certified.
The call has been made by the acting director of the Directorate of Industrial training (DIT) Patrick Byakatonda at the closure of the two days’ training workshop held at www.makanika.com office in Kamwokya.
Byakatonda revealed that their directorate certifies those with skills whether they have any academic qualifications or not thus urging the mechanics to seek help at the DIT in order to get certified and become professionals in the business.
“When you get certified by DIT and you do your work professionally then you gain trust from motorists hence attracting more customers and business growth” said Byakatonda.
“Come to DIT get assessed with only a payment of UG shillings 70,000 for the modular (starting level) and once you pass you get certified hence becoming a professional mechanic who can get a job in any country with the acquired certificate” added Byakatonda.
Michael Katagaya, the team leader at Makanika Dot Com said the motive of starting up their website was not only to connect the motorists to the right mechanics but to also equip the later with skill, equipments and also help them get certified through the right channels and by the right people.
“We are all aware that garages have a high potential to employ many young people but they can only be able to do that by doing away with crooks, being professional and get expertise on how to run the business and to get the market which we are helping them achieve.” Said Michael
” Many people have been duped by the crook mechanics that’s why we are doing this kind of training so that people are treated well, operate Professionally but also working with our partners help mechanics get assessment kits for their garage.” He added.
Mathius Kironde, the director of Kimuna Technical services said that their partnership with www.makanika.com, Gereed Schaps and DIT has helped them not only in giving hands on training to the students but also keep them in the job or business.
Thomas Wathmon, the country’s program manager for Gereed Schaps the funding agency said that their main objective is to give employment opportunities to the youths, empower them with skills and start up equipments.
In the concluded two days training mechanics from 50 garages across Kampala have been trained and given equipment kits.
