Who is a plumbing craftsman?
A plumbing craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in plumbing or closely related field. Plumbing can be described as a network of pipes that allows water or other kinds of fluids to flow from point A to B. The work of plumbing craftsmen entails installation and repairing pipes and other systems used to carry gases, oil, water and other kinds of fluids within homes, offices, and other kinds of physical developments.

Other closely related title(s)

1. Plumber
2. Pipefitter
3. Steamfitter

What is the work environment?
Plumbing craftsmen works in various environments both indoor and outdoor installing and repairing fluid pipes, sewerage networks and other plumbing systems.

Some important skills to have
There are important skills required to perform optimally at the workplace. Some important skills that plumbing craftsmen need to possess in the workplace include;

1. Communication skills to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
2. Interpersonal skills to relate well with other workers as well as the clients
3. Mechanical skills in order to use various tools to assemble and repair pipes
4. Ability to use hands in order to maneuver tools and parts accurately.
5. Physical strength as plumbing craftsmen may spend more time on their feet.
6. Problem solving skills in order to find, diagnose and repair problems.
7. Accuracy & precision especially when it comes to measurements and cuttings.
8. Ability to read plumbing designs and blueprints and understand specifications
9. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Plumbing craftsmen can find employment opportunities in various places. Some of these places include; plumbing contractors, manufacturing companies, building maintenance contractors, engineering companies, water companies, construction companies, real estate developers, maintenance departments within businesses and government departments among other areas.

With industry experience, plumbing craftsmen can also use their creativity and start their own plumbing and related businesses.

Becoming a plumbing craftsman

Admission requirements
To pursue a career as a plumbing 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. Craft courses are also offered within Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) within your region.

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

1. Craft certificate in plumbing
2. Craft certificate in plumbing technology
3. Craft certificate in plumbing and pipe fitting
4. Craft certificate in plumbing and water services
5. Craft certificate in plumbing and building services
6. 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 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 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.

Always remember this!
Information provided on this website is for career awareness only, and not for any other purpose. Before you make any choice, it is advisable to seek professional advice from career advisors to navigate this very important process.