The ILO-supported Workverse initiative uses virtual reality to help young people in Uganda practise job interviews, improve communication and develop workplace skills.
Background & Initiative Description
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is supporting an innovative virtual-reality learning initiative called Workverse, designed to help young people in Uganda prepare for employment by developing practical workplace skills.
The initiative uses virtual reality (VR) to simulate real-world situations, allowing participants to practise job interviews, communicate with colleagues and build confidence before entering the workplace.
Workverse was showcased at the Uganda National Youth Opportunity and Innovation Conference (UNYOIC) on 18 September 2026. The ILO published its report about the initiative on 13 October 2026.
The initiative is particularly relevant to young people who face barriers to education and employment, including refugees and members of host communities.
How Workverse Helps Young People Develop Workplace Skills
Workverse was launched in 2025 through the International Training Centre of the ILO’s (ITCILO) Innovation Sparks Initiative. It combines virtual-reality technology with practical learning experiences to help young people strengthen their employability skills.
The programme focuses on helping participants develop skills beyond technical knowledge, including communication, teamwork, empathy and adaptability.
Through simulated workplace environments, participants can practise responding to interview questions, interacting with colleagues and handling professional situations.
Practical Learning Through Virtual Reality
Workverse provides opportunities to learn through experience rather than relying exclusively on conventional classroom instruction.
The initiative has involved testing VR learning tools in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, where young people were introduced to the technology. Trainers from the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) and other institutions also explored how the tools could support communication and interpersonal skills development.
During the 2026 youth conference, participants from different districts in Uganda experienced the technology first-hand.
Supporting Inclusive Skills Development
The initiative aims to make practical learning more accessible, particularly for young people who encounter difficulties accessing traditional training opportunities.
Participants at the conference highlighted the potential for technology to bring training closer to young people in remote districts and support persons with disabilities who may face transportation and accessibility barriers.
The experiences shared by participants also provided feedback to help the initiative respond to young people’s needs.
Organisations Supporting Workverse
Workverse is supported through collaboration between several organisations:
- International Labour Organization (ILO): Supports inclusive skills development and decent work initiatives.
- International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO): Contributes expertise in innovative learning.
- Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT): Helps connect the initiative with local training needs.
- Government of the Netherlands: Provides support through the ILO’s PROSPECTS programme.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve opportunities for forcibly displaced people and host communities in Uganda.
Additional Information
Workverse was featured at the inaugural Uganda National Youth Opportunity and Innovation Conference 2026, which brought together young people and stakeholders to discuss technology, innovation, education and employment.
The conference was convened by Uganda’s National Planning Authority in collaboration with the Population Scientists’ Association and the United Nations Population Fund.
The ILO and its partners are exploring how virtual reality can make skills development more practical, accessible and inclusive. However, the ILO article does not announce a public application process, registration deadline or nationwide enrolment opportunity for Workverse.
For official updates about the initiative and related employment programmes, readers can visit the ILO website and the PROSPECTS programme in Uganda.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Workverse?
Workverse is a virtual-reality learning initiative supported by the ILO that helps young people practise workplace situations and develop employability skills.
2. Which skills can young people practise through Workverse?
Participants can practise job interviews, workplace communication and professional interactions while developing confidence, teamwork, empathy and adaptability.
3. Who supports the Workverse initiative?
The initiative involves the ILO, ITCILO and Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology, with support from the Government of the Netherlands through the ILO PROSPECTS programme.
4. When was Workverse launched?
Workverse was launched in 2025 through ITCILO’s Innovation Sparks Initiative.
5. Where has the initiative been demonstrated?
Workverse was showcased at the Uganda National Youth Opportunity and Innovation Conference on 18 September 2026. Earlier testing also introduced young people to VR learning tools in Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
6. Does Workverse support refugees and host communities?
Yes. The initiative aims to expand practical learning opportunities for young people, including refugees and host communities.
7. Can young people register for Workverse online?
The ILO article does not provide a public registration link, application process or enrolment deadline. Interested readers should follow official ILO announcements for further information.
8. How can virtual reality help young people prepare for employment?
Virtual reality allows learners to practise workplace situations in simulated environments, helping them build confidence and develop communication and interpersonal skills before entering actual workplaces.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
Workverse demonstrates how technology can support youth employability by providing practical opportunities to develop communication, interview and workplace skills. Its focus on refugees, host communities and young people facing barriers to training also highlights the potential for innovative learning approaches to improve access to employment preparation.
Young people should note that the reported initiative is not advertised as an open online course or a currently available public application programme.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares educational, employment and development-related information for public awareness. It is not affiliated with the ILO, ITCILO, UICT or the Government of the Netherlands. Readers should consult official sources for confirmed programme participation opportunities.
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