Who is a general fitter?
A general fitter is an artisan or a worker skilled in general fitting or closely related field. In simple terms, general fitting is the assembly and fitting of a wide range of machines, tools and equipment among others.

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General fitters fit, and assemble metal parts, tools and sub-assemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment among other duties.

Other related career option(s)

1. Fitter (general)
2. Machinery fitter

What is the work environment?
General fitters may work in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Some important skills to have
To work effectively, general fitters need to have some important skills and qualities such as;

1. Ability to examine drawings, plans and specifications to determine material, machines and equipment requirements.
2. Ability to operate machines and other equipment.
3. Detail oriented in order to check accuracy and quality of finished parts and tools
4. Safety awareness while handling or operating tools, machines and equipment.
5. Physical strength as general fitters may spend more time on their feet.
6. Communication skills to communicate effectively with guests& colleagues
7. Interpersonal skills to relate well with workmates and guests
8. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
General fitters can find work in various places such as; industries, factories, engineering companies, other types of businesses and government departments among others.

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

Becoming a general fitter: Artisan level

Admission requirements
To pursue a career as a general 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 general fitters
2. 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.

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