Impact of assessor training on quality of training and assessment in vocational education and training in Uganda

This study investigates the impact of assessor training on the quality of training and assessment within Uganda's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, specifically within the Higher Technical Vocational Education and Training (HTVET) sector. It examines how assessor training aligns with Uganda's TVET Policy 2019, which prioritizes an employer-led approach to ensure skills meet labor market demands. The research was conducted with 250 participants, including assessors, students, and administrators from selected TVET institutions. A mixed-methods approach was employed to evaluate how assessor training influences assessment accuracy, student skill development, and overall training outcomes. Findings reveal that assessor training significantly improves assessment accuracy, with trained assessors showing a 15% increase in evaluation consistency. A positive correlation (β = 0.78, p < 0.01) was found between assessor training and students' skill acquisition. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) indicated that students assessed by trained instructors expressed greater satisfaction, with 75% agreeing that assessments were fairer and more transparent. Despite these positive outcomes, challenges such as outdated equipment, time constraints, and limited institutional support hinder the full implementation of assessor training. The study recommends modernizing training methods, increasing collaboration with the private sector, and securing more government funding. It concludes with actionable insights for improving the quality of training and assessment, stressing the importance of structured training, industrial exposure, and policy reforms to equip graduates with market-relevant skills. Future research should assess long-term impacts on employability. Key words: Assessors training, technological trends, labour market demands, workplace learning, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).