Jimmy, a mechanical engineering graduate from Makerere University, has been working at Pearl Dairies for three months. He learned about the job through a friend, a former classmate who had participated in the Work Readiness Programme (WRP). The friend shared a WhatsApp link, and seeing his success with the WRP motivated Jimmy to apply. "I was looking for a graduate trainee program to gain practical skills, and this opportunity came at the right time," he says.  

At Pearl Dairy, Jimmy works in the mechanical department. "My main tasks are maintenance, repair, and servicing of machines," he explains. He also does welding and fabrication—skills he didn’t fully acquire during his university studies. "The only welding we did at university was during recess, and we weren’t given real guidance. So, we didn’t learn much." When Jimmy started at Pearl Dairies, it was his first time working with stainless steel and using TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. Although it was new to him, he’s now improving with the help of a specialist.

Jimmy's confidence has grown significantly since joining Pearl Dairies. At first, he was hesitant to ask questions or speak up, but the support from his department has made him more comfortable. He also had to adjust to moving from Kampala to Mbarara for the job. "I have a friend who turned down the opportunity to move because he found it difficult to adapt. But I was determined to take this chance to improve my skills, so I overcame all the challenges to move here," Jimmy shares.  

Coming from a different region, Jimmy initially found both the work and environment challenging. "I used to be scared to admit that I was a graduate because I felt incompetent, but now my confidence is improving," he says. Since starting, he has learned how to operate welding machines and is now trusted with measuring and cutting pieces for fabrication.

Jimmy strongly recommends the Work Readiness Programme to other graduates. "At university, we don’t get enough practical skills. When we graduate, we realize we’re not skilled enough to get a job, and we waste time feeling like we’re still young. But reality hits when you start attending interviews and don’t get offers. With the WRP, you don’t have to worry about lacking skills," he explains.  

Jimmy is particularly excited about learning TIG welding, saying, "With this TIG technology, I’m going to be marketable because very few people know it. That’s why I’m putting in a lot of effort to learn it." He hopes to be retained at Pearl Dairies to continue building his skills but feels confident that even if he isn’t, the hands-on experience will help him secure another job.   

"The Work Readiness Programme is a stepping stone for graduates. I can now proudly say I’m a step ahead of many of my former classmates," Jimmy says.