Who is an aquaculture craftsman?
An aquaculture craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in aquaculture or a closely related field. The term aqua-(tic) refers to an ecosystem within water bodies. Aquaculture is a branch of agriculture that deals with cultivation or rearing of fish and other aquatic organisms. Under the supervision of senior officers, aquatic craftsmen ensure that aquatic programs and related production activities are done effectively.

Other closely related title(s)

1. Assistant aquatic officer
2. Assistant fisheries officer
3. Fisherman
4. Fish farmer

What is the work environment?
Aquaculture craftsmen can work both indoor and outdoor; among other environments.

Some important skills to have
To work effectively as an aquaculture craftsman, a number of essential skills are required such as;

1. Communication skills
2. Interpersonal skills
3. Problem solving skills
4. Creativity skills
5. Analytical skills
6. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Aquaculture craftsmen can find work opportunities in various places such as; aquaculture  & fisheries farming enterprises, fish hatcheries, zoos, freshwater/ marine institutes, vocational training centres, relevant government departments and agencies among others.

With work related experience, aquaculture craftsmen can also start their own fish farming businesses and related ventures.

Becoming an aquaculture 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 aquaculture
2. Craft certificate in fisheries technology
3. Or other similar/ related fields

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).
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. Get timely information on these scholarships and financial aid to know where and when to apply.
5. Among other sources.

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