ILO-backed VR initiative helps Uganda's youth practise workplace skills
Workverse, a VR learning initiative supported by the ILO, was showcased at Uganda's first national youth opportunity conference to help build job skills.
The story in focus
Workverse, a virtual reality learning initiative supported by the International Labour Organization, was showcased at Uganda's inaugural National Youth Opportunity and Innovation Conference on 18 September 2026, where young people practised workplace skills such as interviews and communication in simulated environments.
- Workverse uses VR to simulate job interviews, colleague communication and workplace interactions.
- The initiative is supported by the ILO through its PROSPECTS programme, with backing from the Netherlands.
- Earlier testing took place in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, and the conference drew youth from across Uganda.
What Workverse does
Launched in 2025 through the International Training Centre of the ILO's Innovation Sparks Initiative, Workverse lets young people rehearse workplace situations in virtual environments. The ILO says the goal is to build communication, teamwork, empathy and adaptability alongside technical skills, especially for those facing barriers to education and employment, including refugees and host communities.
The initiative combines ITCILO's learning expertise, the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology's local training knowledge and ILO support. It is backed by the Government of the Netherlands through the ILO's PROSPECTS programme.
Testing and youth response
Earlier testing in Nakivale Refugee Settlement introduced young people and trainers to VR tools. At the September conference, youth representatives from different districts tried Workverse. One participant said the experience helped with communication, interview answers and confidence; another saw potential to extend training beyond major urban centres, citing Abim district in northern Uganda.
A third participant highlighted accessibility for persons with disabilities and those who cannot easily travel. An ILO national project coordinator said direct engagement with young people gives the innovation value and relevance.
Conference and next steps
The two-day conference was convened by Uganda's National Planning Authority with the Population Scientists' Association and UNFPA. The authority said success would be judged by commitments achieved in a youth leaders' declaration on partnerships, access and barriers.
Who supports and runs the Workverse virtual reality initiative?
The ILO supports Workverse through its PROSPECTS programme, with funding from the Netherlands. It was launched in 2025 by the International Training Centre of the ILO and is implemented with the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology.
Sources & further reading
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