The Mediating Role of Industry Partnerships in the Relationship between Practical Skills Outreach and TVET Teaching Quality in Uganda

Introduction: Today, acquiring skills through TVET is not enough; there is a need to identify the market within communities, with the aim of delivering multiple benefits for trainees, trainers, industry, and TVET institutions. This study explores the mediating role of industry partnerships in the relationship between practical skills outreach and TVET teaching quality in Uganda. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional observational design. The study sites were Nyamitanga VTI and Rwentanga Farm Institute in Western Uganda, as well as Sesse Farm Institute in Central Uganda. A quantitative approach was used, with a structured questionnaire administered and later digitized in the Kobo Collect toolbox. The analyses were done in JASP version 0.98.1. Descriptive statistics and mediation analysis were conducted. Results: Results from the mediation analysis show that industry partnerships strongly mediate the relationship between practical skills outreach and quality teaching in TVET. Therefore, without proper industry exposure, collaborations, innovations, and strong teamwork, the practical skills outreach may not impact the quality of teaching effectively. Conclusion: Outreach programmes create a mutual win-win situation among the three players: trainees, industry, and TVET institutions. TVET institutions must introduce outreach programmes in their curriculum to enhance their teaching effectiveness through industry partnerships. These programmes enable the institution to gain reputation and prestige; trainees gain both field and institutional skills as well as create immediate employment, while the industries benefit through innovations.