Who is a building craftsman?
A building or construction craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in building construction or closely related field. A building is a physical development or a structure made of walls and a roof among other materials. A good example is a house, classroom etc. Construction is the process of putting up (constructing) a building by putting together various building materials such as; bricks, flooring, doors, windows and roof among other materials.

Building construction therefore, deals with the construction and management of buildings and other kinds of physical developments. Under the guidance of senior construction officers, the work of building or construction craftsmen entails construction, deconstruction, alteration, renovation, demolition, repair as well as maintenance of building and construction works among other duties.

Other closely related title(s)

1. Construction foreman
2. Building technician
3. Construction technician

What is the work environment?
Building and construction craftsmen work both indoor (in offices) as well as outdoor (construction sites) among other environments.

Some important skills to have
Working in the building and construction industry requires possession of some important skills. Some of the skills that building and construction craftsmen should have include;

1. Safety awareness to avoid or minimize work related injuries
2. Ability to interpret working drawings/ blueprints
3. Decision making skills
4. Supervisory skills
5. Report writing skills
6. Organization and co-ordination skills
7. Communication skills
8. Interpersonal skills
9. Creativity skills
10. Among others.

What are some career opportunities?
Building and construction craftsmen can find employment opportunities in various organizations dealing with building and construction services such as; building and construction companies, civil engineering companies, real estate development companies, architectural companies, interior design firms, maintenance departments in various businesses and government departments among other areas.

With experience in the building industry, construction craftsmen can apply their creativity and start their own businesses/ enterprises.

Becoming a building craftsman

Minimum admission requirements
A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), mean grade D (plain) and above is required.

Training & Study options
With a KCSE mean grade D (plain) and above, you can proceed to a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college and enroll for a relevant craft certificate course. Craft courses are also offered within Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) within your region.

What course(s) can you pursue in TVET colleges?

1. Craft certificate in building construction
2. Craft certificate in building and construction technology
3. Craft certificate in building and civil engineering
4. Or other similar/ related courses

Education Progression
Upon a successful completion of a craft certificate course, you can advance your education upward (in a relevant field) up to university level if you like. How is this possible?

1. Get a craft certificate
2. Advance to diploma certificate, (in a relevant field)
3. Advance to degree certificate, (in a relevant field)

How to Join TVET College.
There are two ways you can follow to join training institution(s) in pursuit of your career of choice.

1. Applying through Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (Kuccps), for government sponsored students.
2. Applying directly to training institution of your choice, for self-sponsored students.

Financial Aid
There are various ways you can access financial aid to support your further or higher education. Some of them are listed below;

1. Apply for education loan through Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
2. Apply for education bursaries from National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), from your local Member of Parliament, (MP).
3. Access education bursaries from your County Government.
4. Among other sources.

Always remember this!
Information provided on this website is for career awareness only, and not for any other purpose.

Before you make any career choice, or commit yourself to any career or study option, be sure of what you are doing. It is advisable to seek professional advice from career advisors to navigate this very important process.

Need more information? We can provide you with additional career and education related information to meet your individual needs.