Who is an IT craftsman?
An IT craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in information technology (IT) or any other closely related field. Information technology commonly referred to as IT deals with the use of computers and other telecommunication systems used for storing, transmitting, retrieving and manipulation of data in businesses among other establishments. Under the supervision of senior IT officers, IT craftsmen offers technical support to computer hardware and software related problems among other duties.

Other closely related title(s)

1. IT assistant
2. ICT assistant
3. Data entry clerk

What is the work environment?
IT craftsmen work indoor; in offices among other environments.

Some important skills to have
Working effectively as an IT craftsman requires possession of some essential skills that include;

1. Customer service skills especially when dealing with their customers
2. Good listening skills to understand customers’ IT related problems
3. Communication skills to describe computer solutions in simple terms
4. Problem solving skills to identify and solve both small and complex IT related problems
5. Interpersonal skills to relate well with customers as well as colleagues
6. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
IT craftsmen can find employment opportunities in various business establishments, some of these include; computer repair and support providers, libraries and information centers, data processing, hosting and related services, telecommunication companies, product sales and marketing, IT departments within various businesses and government agencies among others.

With some experience in the industry, IT craftsmen can start their own IT related businesses.

Becoming an IT 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 information technology, (IT)
2. Craft certificate in information communication technology, (ICT)
3. 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. 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 minimum of 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.

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.