Completing a training programme is an important step towards employment, but it does not automatically translate into a job. The transition from training to work depends on several factors, including whether the skills acquired respond to labour market needs, whether graduates have practical workplace experience and whether employers are actively involved in preparing the workforce they need.

These questions are at the centre of the 3rd Annual Human Resource Managers Association of Uganda (HRMAU) Conference, which took place on 11th–12th November 2026 at Kampala Serena Hotel. Enabel  partnered with HRMAU to convene the two-day conference, bringing together human resource professionals, government representatives, employers and development partners under the theme "Shaping Africa's next generation of organisations: people-centred leadership and technology for sustainable growth."

The conference provided a platform to exchange perspectives on the changing world of work and explored how organisations can build productive, inclusive and resilient workforces.

Speaking at the conference, Mrs. Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire of the Ministry of Public Service reaffirmed the Ministry's role in providing leadership, guidance and mentorship. She emphasised the importance of collective efforts to shape the mindset and values of the workforce.

Paul Rugambwa, President of HRMAU, acknowledged Enabel's partnership through the WeWork-green and decent jobs for youth project, which equips young people with skills and connects them to employment opportunities. He emphasised that an effective employment ecosystem must prepare people with skills that respond to employers' needs.

Adding to the discussion, David Maraka, Enabel's Enterprise Development and Decent Work Expert, delivered a keynote address titled *Beyond skills development: Enabel's approach to bridging the gap between training and sustainable employment.

He challenged stakeholders to look beyond the number of people trained and consider what happens after training. Are graduates able to apply their skills, access decent employment, sustain their jobs, progress in their careers or establish viable enterprises?

He highlighted the importance of making training responsive to labour market demand, strengthening collaboration between training institutions and employers, and creating opportunities for internships, apprenticeships and workplace-based learning. He also emphasised that technical competencies must be complemented by work-readiness skills and entrepreneurial capabilities.

Enabel is also showcased its work at the conference exhibition, where participants engaged with the organisation and its partners. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), for instance, created awareness about the Work Readiness Programme and its role in preparing young people for the workplace.

Through the WeWork project, funded by the European Union and the Kingdom of Belgium, Enabel works with government, training institutions and private sector actors to strengthen the connection between skills development and employment opportunities.

The partnership with HRMAU creates an important space for continued engagement with employers and HR professionals, whose experience and understanding of workplace needs are essential in shaping relevant skills development and employment interventions.

Ultimately, skills development must be connected to real opportunities. The value of training is reflected not only in the competencies acquired, but also in the ability to apply those competencies, access decent work and build sustainable livelihoods.

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