Who is an instrumentation and control craftsman?
An instrumentation and control craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in instrumentation and control or a closely related field. An instrument is a device used to measure physical quantity such as; pressure, level, temperature, flow among other measurements. Instrumentation is the various instruments used to monitor and control processes within production and manufacturing environments among other areas.

Control also referred to as automation is the use of programmed or computer controlled technologies for handling various machineries and processes in industries; such automation processes are meant to replace human manpower. Instrumentation and control therefore deals with the design, installation, configuration and maintenance of automation systems in industries among other industries. Under the supervision of senior instrumentation and control officers, instrumentation and control craftsmen install and service various computer controlled or automation systems within industries and other areas.

Other closely related title(s)

1. Instrumentation and control technician
2. Automation technician

What is the work environment?
Instrumentation and control craftsmen can work in various work environments such as; manufacturing plants, laboratories, office among others.

Some important skills to have
Instrumentation and control craftsmen should have a number of essential qualities and skills required in the workplace. Some of them include;

1. Planning and organization skills
2. Effective communication skills
3. Teamwork skills
4. Problem solving skills
5. Safety awareness
6. Customer service skills
7. Project design skills
8. Creativity skills
9. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Employment opportunities for instrumentation and control craftsmen exist in various sectors where automation technology is required. Some of these areas include; thermal power stations, refineries, telecommunication sector, pharmaceutical sector, steel plants, cement manufacturing, fertilizer plants, security companies, relevant government departments and ministries among others.

With industry experience, instrumentation and control craftsmen can use their skills and creativity to start their own businesses or enterprises.

Becoming an instrumentation and control 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 electrical instrumentation
2. Craft certificate in electrical instrumentation and control
3. Craft certificate in electrical and electrical engineering (instrumentation and control option)
4. Or other similar/ related courses

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. 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 career choice, or 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.