Who is a metal craftsman?
A metal craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in metal work, metal processing, metal crafts or closely related field. Metal work entails the use of metals to create assemblies, individual parts as well as large scale structures. Under the supervision of senior officers, metal craftsmen install, fabricate, assemble and repair metal products among other duties.

Other closely related title(s)

1. Metalworker
2. Welder
3. Fabricator

What is the work environment?
Metal craftsmen may work both indoor and outdoor environments.

Some important skills to have
Metal craftsmen need to possess important skills required within the workplace. Some of these skills and qualities include;

1. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
2. Ability to work in a team of other workers
3. Technical skills in the field of metalwork
4. Accuracy and precision
5. Ability to use hands
6. Safety awareness to avoid or minimize accidents in the workplace
7. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Metal craftsmen can find employment opportunities in various places such as; metal processing companies, sheet metal workshops, steel & metal fabrication companies, construction companies, industrial maintenance & repair sector, sheet metal companies, other businesses and government departments and agencies among other areas.

With some industry experience, metal craftsmen can also apply their skills and creativity to launch their own businesses and become self-employed while creating employment opportunities to other unemployed youth.

Becoming a metal craftsman

Minimum admission requirements
To enroll for a career as a metal craftsman right from high school, 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 course. Crafts courses are also offered in various Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) within your region.

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

1. Certificate in metal work and process technology
2. Or other similar metal work courses/ related courses

Education Progression
After a successful completion of a craft certificate course, you can advance your education upward (in a relevant field) up to university level if you wish to acquire a university education. 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)