The key functions of the Directorate are to:
- To identify the needs of the labour market for occupational competencies that fall under the Uganda Vocational Qualification Framework (UVQF).
- To regulate apprenticeship/traineeship/internship schemes.
- To foster and promote entrepreneurial values and skills as an integral part of the UVQF.
- To secure adequate and sustainable financing for the operation of the directorate.
- To accredit training institutions or companies as UVQF assessment centers.
- To assess and award Uganda Vocational Qualifications.
- To develop, apply, expand and improve the purposeful application of UVQF.
- To promote on the job training in industry for apprenticeship, trainee-ship and indenture/agreement training and other training such as further skills training schemes.
- To prescribe the procedure for the making training schemes.