Who is a mechatronics craftsman?
A mechatronics craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in mechatronics engineering or a closely related discipline. Mechatronics engineering is an engineering field that combines mechanical, electrical and computer engineering to design, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems that are computer controlled. The work of mechatronics craftsmen revolves around repair and maintenance of machinery with electronics and computer control systems such as; power generators, chemical plant machinery, motor vehicles, robots, and aircrafts among others.

Other closely related title(s)

1. Mechatronics technician
2. Mechatronics Machinery Assembler

What is the work environment?
Mechatronics craftsmen work indoor in various environments such as offices, laboratories, and processing plants among others.

Some important skills to have
Mechatronics craftsmen need to possess important skills needed in the workplace to achieve optimal performance. Some of these skills include;

1. Able to think creatively
2. Problem solving skills
3. Able to work in a team
4. Enjoy technical engineering activities
5. Good communication skills
6. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Mechatronics craftsmen can find jobs in various places especially where there is need to repair and maintain automatic mechanical systems. Some of these areas include; automotive sector, electronics sector, electrical power sector, telecommunication sector, defense sector, robotics sector, aviation sector, mining and manufacturing sectors among others.

Mechatronics craftsmen can also use their skills and creativity to start their own businesses.

Becoming a mechatronics 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.

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

1. Craft certificate in mechatronics engineering
2. 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. 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 a craft certificate course, you need a minimum of KCSE mean grade D (plain) and above. 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.

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.