Who is a motor vehicle craftsman?
A motor vehicle craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in motor vehicle mechanics or closely related field. Motor vehicle mechanics deals with testing, servicing and repair of cars and other kinds of vehicles. The work of motor vehicle craftsmen therefore is to service and repair motor vehicles among other duties.

Other closely related title(s)

1. Automotive craftsman
2. mechanic
3. Panel beater
4. Spray painter

What is the work environment?
Motor vehicle craftsmen work in both indoor and outdoor environments servicing and repairing vehicles.

Some important skills to have
To work effectively, motor vehicle craftsmen need to have some important skills and qualities such as;

1. Customer service skills in order to offer excellent service to their customers
2. Detail oriented to be able to detect small details when repairing vehicles
3. Ability to use hands as mechanic works require steady use of hands
4. Mechanical skills to be aware of various engine components and systems
5. Safety awareness to minimize injuries when repairing vehicles
6. Physical strength as these craftsmen occasionally lift heavy parts such as engines
7. Communication skills to communicate effectively with clients& colleagues
8. Interpersonal skills to relate well with workmates and customers
9. Trouble shooting skills to easily diagnose and repair vehicles
10. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Motor vehicle craftsmen can find work in various places such as; motor vehicle garage shops, transportation companies, automobile dealers, automotive parts, accessories & tire stores, vehicle maintenance departments within businesses and government departments among others.

Motor vehicle craftsmen can also use their creativity and start their own profit making ventures (self-employment).

Becoming a motor vehicle craftsman:

Admission requirements
To pursue a career as a motor vehicle craftsman right from secondary 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. 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 motor vehicle mechanics
2. Craft certificate in automobiles technology
3. Craft certificate in motor vehicle technology
4. Craft certificate in automotive engineering
5. Craft certificate in mechanical engineering (automotive option)
6. Or other similar/ related courses

Education Progression
After a successful completion of a craft 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 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 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.

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.