Who is a food processing craftsman?
A food processing craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in food processing technology or a closely related field. Food is any nutritious substance consumed by people or other living organisms in order to support growth and life. Food processing technology is an industrial process used to convert raw materials and ingredients to form food and other related products within food processing industries. Under the supervision of senior officers, food processing craftsmen assist in processing, preservation, packaging and distribution of various kinds of foodstuffs among other duties.

Other closely related title(s)

1. Food processing technician
2. Food technician

What is the work environment?
Food processing craftsmen can work in various environments such as; food processing plants, laboratories, offices and in farms among others.

Some important skills to have
To perform optimally at the workplace, food processing craftsmen need to possess some important qualities and skills. Some of these include;

1. Problem solving skills
2. Good observation skills
3. Good organization skills
4. Creativity skills
5. Interpersonal skills
6. Communication skills
7. Attention to detail
8. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Employment opportunities for food processing craftsmen can be found in various places such as food processing industries, beverage processing companies, dairy processing companies, animal processing companies, food production companies, food sales & distribution companies, vocational training centers, relevant government departments and agencies among other areas.

With work related experience, food processing craftsmen can also use their skills and creativity to start their own food related businesses/ enterprises.

Becoming a food processing 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 food processing technology
2. Craft certificate in food science and processing technology
3. Craft Certificate in Food Processing and Preservation
4. Craft certificate in food science technology
5. Or other similar/ related fields

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. Some corporate organizations, colleges and universities offer scholarships to bright but needy students. Get timely information on these scholarships to know where and when to apply.
5. Among other sources.

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