Who is a computer/ ICT fitter/ clerk?
A computer/ ICT fitter/ clerk is an artisan or a worker skilled in information communication technology (ICT) or closely related field. Information communication technology refers to technologies that provides access to information with focus on communication technologies such as; computers, cell phones, wireless networks among others. Computer/ ICT fitters, fits, adjusts and replaces computer hardware among other technical duties. They may also perform other different tasks depending on the titles they hold or their job descriptions.

Other closely related title(s)

1. ICT clerks/ data entry clerk
2. ICT artisan
3. Computer operator
4. Office machine mechanic
5. Fitter, computer equipment

What is the work environment?
Computer/ ICT fitters/ clerks or artisans may work both indoor and outdoor environments.

Some important skills to have
To work effectively, computer/ ICT fitters/ data entry clerks need to have some important skills and qualities such as;

1. Ability to read manufacturers user manuals to determine fitting procedures
2. Problem solving skills in order to identify and solve computer related problems
3. Communication skills to communicate effectively with customers & colleagues
4. Listening skills to be able to understand problems that customers experience
5. Customer service skills to deal appropriately with different customers
6. Interpersonal skills to relate well with workmates and customers
7. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Computer/ ICT fitters can find work in various places such as; internet café shops, ICT sales & maintenance companies, telecommunication firms, data entry firms, clerks in publishing firms, other businesses and government departments among other areas.

Computer/ ICT fitters can also use their creativity and start their own profit making ventures (self-employment).

Becoming a computer/ ICT fitter

Admission requirements
To pursue acareer as a computer/ ICT fitter right from secondary school, a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), mean grade D- (minus) and below is required.

Training & Study options
With a KCSE mean grade D- (minus) and below, you can proceed to a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college and enroll for an appropriate artisan course. Artisan courses are also offered within Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) within your region.

So what course(s) can you pursue in TVET colleges?

1. Artisan in Information Communication Technology
2. NVCET in Information Communication Technology
3. Or other similar/ related courses

Education Progression
After a successful completion of an artisan course, you can advance your education upward (in a relevant field)up to university level if that’s your goal. How is this possible?

1. Get an artisan certificate
2. Advance to craft certificate, (in a relevant field)
3. Advance to diploma certificate, (in a relevant field)
4. 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. The majority way is applying through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (Kuccps). This is a state owned agency that admits/ places government sponsored students to TVET colleges and universities. One of the advantages of applying through Kuccps is that, upon successful placement, you will pay subsidized fee as a government sponsored student.

To be placed through Kuccps you must have attained a certain pass mark required for various education levels such as degrees, diplomas, certificates and artisan courses. For an artisan course, you need a KCSE mean grade E. For more details on placement criteria, visit Kuccps website. The second approach is applying directly to training institution of your choice. Students who opt to apply this way do not get government fee subsidy and are therefore self-sponsored.

How to fund your post-secondary education.
If you are a needy student, upon application, you can get education loan from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), a state owned institution that gives education loans to students joining technical colleges and universities. You can also access education bursaries from your local Member of Parliament (MP) or the County Government among other sources.

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

We know career life will take a significant part of your life journey, and your career choice will greatly influence how that journey unfolds. Therefore, before you make any career choice, before you 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.