Skill development is considered relevant for students because it has the ability to prepare them for success in and out of school. Examples of such skills can include communication and technical skills. People with such skills are considered to be in high demand on the job market and are also in position to earn more. Since skill development is a process that includes identifying skill gaps, developing and honing these skills-it is only crucial that students access this early in school as a way of preparing them for a brighter future. Ronald Mukasa, a teacher at St. Patrick School-Kigali says when learners are groomed and develop these skills, it helps them to be competitive on the job market. He says, these skills are as important as a bachelor’s degree if one is to apply for a job. “If learners are facilitated in developing these skills, it helps them be prepared for any job opportunity when it surfaces,” he adds. Sylvain Bizirema, a science and chemistry teacher at Ecole des Sciences St Louis de Montfort in Nyanza District believes that it’s essential for students to develop diverse skills regardless of what career they will join. Most significantly, he says they should do this when they are still in school, noting that these skills are very important especially in this constantly changing world. Bizirema explains that its mainly these skills that differentiate between individuals or candidates during a job search. “That is the reason why skilled people are special in terms of qualifications regardless of educational qualifications.” There is a dramatic change in the world due to the unprecedented use of technology during the past few decades. This transformation impacts all spheres of our life including education, economy, and career. To cope up with the increasing pace and changes, it has been established that students should learn the necessary skills to make sure of attaining their desired career. Mukasa says it’s vital for students to learn how to deal with competition on the job market, and that only those who have technical and soft skills can be able to stand out from others.
