Who is a co-operative craftsman?
A co-operative craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in cooperative management or a closely related field. A cooperative is a business or organization owned, run and managed by their members to achieve common, social, and economic benefits. Cooperatives are predominantly found within the agriculture sector though they can also be established in other sectors where its members have common interests. Cooperative management is the process in which various activities related to cooperative organizations are managed for efficient performance of the organization. Under the guidance of senior officers, cooperative craftsmen assist in carrying out various activities related to cooperative development.

Other related title(s)

1. Cooperative clerk
2. Cooperative master craft person III

What is the work environment?
Cooperative craftsmen works in offices among other environments

Some important skills and qualities to have

1. Good communication skills
2. Interpersonal skills
3. Listening skills
4. Basic IT skills
5. Critical thinking skills
6. Organization skills
7. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Cooperative craftsmen can find employment opportunities within various cooperative organizations, sacco’s as well as relevant government departments and agencies among other areas.

Becoming a co-operative craftsman

Minimum admission requirements

1. A mean grade of D (Plain) and above in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination or its equivalent;
2. Artisan certificate/ completion of KNQF level 4
3. Or other approved qualification

Training & Study options
If you meet the above minimum admission requirements, 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 cooperative management
2. Or other similar/ related fields

Qualifications Level
Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF level 5)

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 postsecondary education. Some of them are listed below;

1. Apply for education loan through Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). Besides the loan, HELB can also give you a bursary. Visit HELB website for more information on loan limits and bursaries.
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. Some corporate organizations, colleges and universities offer scholarships to bright but needy students, among other sources.
5. Get timely information on these scholarships, bursaries and financial aid to know where and when to apply.

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