Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project
Grant No. 0920-UG
Request for Expressions of Interest for women entrepreneurs work placement/ apprenticeship Host Enterprises and Industry associations Uganda
Reference No.: UG-MOGLSD.................................................
The Government of the Republic of Uganda has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for work placement apprenticeship host enterprises and Industry associations.

The Project Development Objective is to increase access to entrepreneurial services that enable women entrepreneurs to grow their enterprises in targeted locations, including host and refugee communities. The Project is being implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development (MGLSD) jointly with Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU).

The Women's Entrepreneurship Work Placement Apprenticeship Program is one of the key interventions under the Project, and will focus on expanding women entrepreneurs' access to work placement apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand careers across a range of industries. including fields where women are traditionally under-represented. Under this intervention, women entrepreneurs and employees will be supported through the apprenticeship scheme to work while learning better business and operational practices.

A total of 5,000 women are expected to benefit from the nationwide work placement program, including at least 950 from refugee-hosting districts The Program will have the following beneficiaries:
a) Women entrepreneurs and their employees in micro and small businesses who want to acquire the skils to operate in higher-growth sectors or trades:
b) Women who wish to start a business but require business and operational skills;
c) Women who want to acquire skills to work for profitable and growing firms.
The inaugural phase of the program will commence in the 13 Refugee Hosting Districts (RHDS). While the program beneficiaries will be drawn from the RHDs, the host enterprises and industry associations will be selected from the entire country. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at https://mgisd.go.ug/

The Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development now invites eligible enterprises and industry associations to indicate their interest in offering work placements and hosting apprentices. Those interested should be operating in the following sectors trades;
1) Hotel and hospitality (hotels, lodges, restaurants, cafes, catering, tour operators and travel agencies):
2) Food and agro-processing (beverage production, bakery and confectionery dairy processing and snack food production):
3) Cosmetology (hair salons and beauty palours):
4) Tailoring and textiles (tailoring, sewing and embroidery, and fashion design):
5 Welding and Metal fabrication and
6) Electrical and electronics (renewable energy, electric distribution, electronics repair services, electronics retailers)

The shortlisting criteria are:
1) operational in the targeted priority trades mentioned above;
2) demonstrable experience in the relevant industry.
3) possession of adequate, competent and experienced staff to mentor the apprentices demonstrated by submission of an organogram to demonstrate technical and managerial capability, 4) possession of adequate infrastructure, facilities, and tools for hands on learning:
5) good track record of business growth to enable apprentices learn from success stories and experiences:
6) Comprehension of Environmental, Gender and Inclusion policies of the World Bank;
7) experience in hosting apprentices and other forms of work placements will be an added advantage.

Under this arrangement, GROW project will:
meet costs related to Apprentices monthly stipend. -provide Personal Protective Equipment based on occupation requirements. -provide Group Personal Accident insurance for the paced apprentices

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (0800 to 1700 hrs). Interested enterprises and industry associations that meet the above criteria should complete the Application Form for Registration as Work Placement Apprenticeship Provider which can be obtained from the Ministry's Registry or downloaded from the Ministry website www.mgled.go.ug.
The Completed form should be delivered in person, or by mail, or by e-mail to grow project@mgled.go.ug or by courier services not later than Thursday, April 18, 2024. However, no liability will be accepted for loss or late delivery
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development Gender and Labour House, Plot 2, George Street P.O Box 7136, KAMPALA
Tel: +256 414 347 854
Email: growproject@mglsd.go.ug
ACCOUNTING OFFICER.