Youth transition from school to work : a case study of Mukono Municipality

Abstract

This study investigates the transition of youth from school to work in Mukono Municipality, Uganda, focusing on the experiences, barriers, opportunities, and role of education, skills development, family background, social networks, and community resources in shaping their career pathways. Data was collected from 118 youth aged 15-35 using a mixed-methods approach, with data analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data thematically. The findings reveal significant challenges, including scarcity of employment opportunities, lack of relevant work experience, insufficient skills, and difficulty adapting to work environments. Social networks and community support play a crucial role in facilitating smoother transitions. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers, educational institutions, and local stakeholders to improve the school-to-work transition process for youth in Mukono Municipality. Key challenges identified include a lack of effective career guidance in schools, intense competition for scarce formal jobs, and insufficient capital for entrepreneurship. Existing support systems, such as government programs, suffer from low awareness and are often perceived as difficult to access. The school-to work transition in Mukono is a complex, often unstructured process heavily influenced by a skills gap and social-economic factors. It recommends a multi-stakeholder approach involving curriculum reform to integrate practical and soft skills, strengthen career guidance services, fostering stronger school-industry linkages, and making youth support programs more accessible and relevant to the local context