Who is a supply chain craftsman?
A supply chain craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in supply chain management or a closely related field. A supply chain can be defined as a sequence of events or processes involved in the production, distribution, storage and delivery of goods and services from producers or service providers to the end user or point of sale. Supply chain management is overseeing the entire flow (supply chain) of goods and services from producers to the point of sale or consumers. Under the guidance of senior officers, supply chain craftsmen assist in the sourcing, movement and storage of goods within businesses among other duties.

Other related title(s)

1. Supply chain assistant
2. Procurement assistant
3. Purchasing assistant
4. Stores assistant
5. Storekeeper/ store keeper

What is the work environment?
Supply chain craftsmen works in various places such as; in offices, stores and in warehouses among other environments.

Some important skills and qualities to have

1. People/ interpersonal skills
2. Teamwork skills
3. Communication skills
4. Planning skills
5. Problem solving skills
6. Interest in logistics/ supply chain
7. Basic computer skills
8. Organization skills
9. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Supply chain craftsmen can find work in many areas across the employment sector. Some areas they can find jobs include; manufacturing companies, pharmaceutical companies, retail sector, many other types of businesses as well as government departments and agencies.

With industry related experience, supply chain craftsmen can also use their skills and start their own supply related businesses.

Becoming a supply chain 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.

What course(s) can you pursue in TVET colleges?

1. Craft certificate in supply chain management
2. Craft certificate in supplies chain management
3. Craft certificate in purchasing and chain management
4. Craft certificate in storekeeping
5. Or other similar/ related fields

Qualifications Level
Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF level 5)

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.

1. Applying through Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (Kuccps), for government sponsored students.
2. Applying directly to training institution of your choice, for self-sponsored students.

Financial Aid
There are various ways you can access financial aid to support your further or higher education. Some of them are listed below;

1. Apply for education loan through Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). Besides the loan, HELB can also give you a bursary. Visit HELB website for more information on loan limits and bursaries.
2. Apply for education bursaries from National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), from your local Member of Parliament, (MP).
3. Access education bursaries from your County Government.
4. Some corporate organizations, colleges and universities offer scholarships to bright but needy students, among other sources.
5. Get timely information on these scholarships, bursaries and financial aid to know where and when to apply.

Important note!
Information provided on this website is for career awareness only, and not for any other purpose.