National Diploma in Electrical Engineering Student at UTC Elgon
Vocational education prepares students for practical jobs as the training is hands-on. The government is on a campaign to revamp vocational institutions in the bid to attract more students. In the bid to paint the true picture of vocational education in Uganda. we have come up with the Vocational Education Series where we bring you students from Vocational Institutions to share their experience.
Today we bring you Joel Ssozi, a 2nd-year Electrical Engineering Student at Uganda Technical College Elgon, This is what we asked
I come from Greater Masaka region which comprises of Masaka, Kyotera, and Rakai, those are the places I know best in the world. I attended quite a number of schools during my primary education but I sat my P. L. E from St. Joseph Kyabakuuma primary school in 2009.
I then joined Masaka Exodus Vocational Secondary school for my O level from 2010-2013, Masaka Secondary School for my A level from 2014-2015.
I didn't join university because I was not given sponsorship on the government and my parents couldn't afford to pay for me in private. So I didn't join any Institution in 2016 and a family friend advised my parents that I can be given a government sponsorship in a UTC for a Diploma and join University later. It all went on as expected and l joined Uganda Technical College Elgon in August of 2017.
This course deals with studying electricity from generation up to electronic devices that utilize it. Some people think its just domestic installation. It's interesting while designing electronic circuits to solve real-life problems.
I wanted a practical course which would increase my chances of self-employment and also an interesting course which deals with dynamic forces.
It is interesting to do a job you like, this course shows me that l can employ myself and I would also love to teach other people the basics of electricity in the future.
Waking up, taking breakfast, attending the first lecture, one hour break, the second lecture, lunch, third lecture, supper, revision, watch a movie, sleep. But you are free to whatever you want.
I read to understand and don't cram and I try to apply what you study in real life.
Physics, Economics, and Mathematics, also subsidiary ICT those are the basics in electrical engineering.
Yeah, I design electronic circuits and I also do domestic installation work during holidays.
Starting an Electrical Engineering Company, going for a bachelor's and Master's degree while I run the company.
Engaging in conversation with my friends, watching movies, studying philosophy and psychology, doing physical exercise and martial arts.
You should not only focus on being technically good but also be smart upstairs, if you cannot flex your brain muscles, other smart people will use your good technical skills to achieve their goals at your expense, and that is what is actually happening in our field of study. Be creative, innovative, inventive and wise.
Ensure that you have what it requires, one principal pass in either Mathematics or Physics and two subsidiary passes for those from A level or an Advanced certificate in electrical installation and above all, love for the course.
Am so glad that I have had this opportunity to share with fellow students and I hope that this will bring about a positive impact. Thank you so much.