Competence Based Training and Skill Acquisition of Automotive Students in Technical Training Institutes in the Eastern Region of Uganda

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Competence-Based Training (CBT) in enhancing skill acquisition among automotive students in technical training institutes in eastern Uganda. Specifically, it investigated the influence of instructional resources, infrastructure relevance, human resource capacity, and financial adequacy on students’ practical skill development. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting CBT implementation and outcomes. The study was conducted in Technical Training Institutes located in Eastern Uganda. Data collection and analysis spanned a defined period aligned with the academic calendar and institutional availability, though the exact duration was not specified. A total of three hundred forty-one (341) individuals participated, including 288 students, 40 instructors, and 13 administrators, selected through stratified sampling. Questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and document analysis were used for data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Mini-Tab 2022 software while qualitative data was thematically analyzed. Validity and reliability was ensured through pilot testing. On the influence of instructional resources towards CBT, results showed moderately effective (mean = 2.89, SD = 1.28); 75.7% of students used them weekly, but 80.9% faced access challenges. FGDs and interviews confirmed shortages (47% of students, 80% of instructors). For infrastructure, it was observed that; slightly adequate (mean = 3.24, SD = 1.24); 90.6% of students found it conducive, yet 80% of instructors cited outdated equipment, supported by maintenance logs (60%). It was also observed that of human resource capacity generally offer support to CBT with (mean = 3.56, SD = 1.10); 77.8% of students noting methodological alignment, but 70% of instructors reported staffing shortages, confirmed by training records. Finally, financial adequacy was found to be inadequate with mean = 2.84 and SD = 1.32 and 87.5% of students acknowledged its impact on practical training, while 38.5% of administrators lacked funding mechanisms, as revealed through interviews and budget reviews. The study identified critical gaps in instructional resources, infrastructure, staffing, and financial support that hinder effective skill acquisition under the CBT framework. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and educators aiming to strengthen technical education and vocational training in Uganda.