Abstract

The technical demands of the architectural profession, which entail a unique blend of design acumen, technical knowledge, and social skills, make it necessary to examine whether architecture programmes efficiently prepare graduates with the particular skills. This research, therefore, assesses the employability of architecture graduates by analyzing the critical competencies required by employers in the Ugandan architectural sector. Using a survey research design, the methodology combined both quantitative and qualitative data collection approaches. Online questionnaires were distributed to employers in the Ugandan architectural industry, comprising architectural companies, construction firms, government agencies, and private developers. Respondents were limited to only those that (had) employ(ed.) architectural graduates from the oldest training institution in Uganda, Makerere University. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques. In the findings, while graduates were found somewhat professional, they still need to be grounded in the profession’s norms and values. Respondents also indicated that students from Makerere University were abler to perfume various tasks, in comparison to many other graduates from elsewhere. However, there was a perception of a decline in the overall quality of recent graduates, particularly regarding manual design skills, sketching, and comprehension of building technology. It was further observed that while employers are increasingly emphasising a mixture of practical ability and crucial soft skills, there is an indication of a skills gap between the skills acquired by architecture graduates. The implications from this study point to the need for strengthening the practical and industry-oriented components of architecture training, such as increasing the frequency and quality of site visits, internships, and field-based learning.

Keywords: Employability, Makerere university, Architecture graduates, Skills gap, Ugandan architectural sector, Curriculum alignment