Who is an electrical craftsman?
An electrical craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in electrical engineering or closely related field. Electrical engineering is concerned with the application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism towards the design, installation, repair and maintenance of electrical and electronic systems.  Electrical craftsmen installs, diagnoses, and repairs faults on electrical installations, power systems, machines and domestic appliances among other duties.

Other closely related title(s)

1. Electrician
2. Electrical installer
3. Wireman
4. Electrical & electronics repairman
5. Service and repair technician

What is the work environment?
Electrical craftsmen work in both indoor and outdoor environments undertaking various electrical installations and repairs.

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

1. Writing skills to enable them write clear reports on various ongoing works
2. Observation skills to ensure that electrical works/ designs are carried out correctly.
3. Math’s skills for analysis, and troubleshooting at their work
4. Customer service skills in order to offer excellent service to their customers
5. Communication skills to communicate effectively with clients & colleagues
6. Interpersonal skills to relate well with workmates and customers
7. Problem solving skills in order to handle any unforeseen issues related to electrical
8. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Electrical craftsmen can find work in various places such as; construction companies, building maintenance contractors, electrical contractors/wiring installation contractors, manufacturing companies, telecommunication companies, automotive companies, electronics companies, IT companies, other businesses and government departments among other areas.

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

Becoming an electrical craftsman:

Admission requirements
To pursue a career as an electrical 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 electrical engineering
2. Craft certificate in electrical and electronics technology
3. Craft certificate in electrical and electronic engineering (power option).
4. Craft certificate in telecommunication and power
5. Or other similar/ 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 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.