Electrical job entry requirements and job descriptions

2.2 Electrical job entry requirements and job descriptions

In electrical engineering, the jobs are grouped and classified in the order of seniority and according to their demand. The job groups are:

1.       Artisan.

2.       Craftsman.

3.       Technician.

4.       Technologist

5.       Engineer.

The artisan is at the bottom of the ranks while the engineer is at the top.

Occupation pyramid

2.1.1 Artisan

To train as an artisan in any specific area of electricity, one has to have obtained passes at KCPE.

An artisan is a skilled operator who has a good knowledge of techniques and appropriate tools.

His job does not require him to solve design problems or to perform administrative duties.

2.1.2 Craftsman

Entry into craftsman training requires at least good passes at KCSE or a high achievement at the artisan level. 

A craftsman is to perform a range of tasks in a specified field, such as electrical installations, to a very high degree of accuracy, workmanship and efficiency.

Craftsmen may be required to instruct and supervise artisans. They also may participate in a "shop-floor level" decision making process. They are immediately answerable to technicians.

2.1.3 Technician

The requirements for entry into the technician training program are: Good grades at KCSE in the relevant subjects or a high performance at the craft level.

The training of a technician includes theoretical and practical skill development to enable him understand and use complex tools, equipment and materials in his area of specialisation. He also possesses social and administrative skills to qualify him to lead, supervise and guide his subordinates at the place of work.

The duties of a technician are:

a)      To work under the engineers in order to supply the technical expertise and practical skills for the engineers to solve design problems.

b)      To organise and manage workshops or production lines.

c)       To supervise, organise and instruct the work under him.

d)      To participate in the decision making process at the middle level management.

2.1.4 Technologist

Entry requirements into the Higher National Diploma programmes are the Ordinary Diploma Technician Certificate with some work experience as a practising technician.

Technologists are highly trained personnel. Their combined practical skills, higher theoretical, scientific and managerial skills enable them to operate at levels close to that of engineers.

Technologists/higher technicians are heads of the technical teams in organizations whose physical plants are not too complex.

2.1.5 Engineers

Engineers are usually trained at the university. Electrical engineers hold at least a B.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering.

Entry into the faculty of engineering at the universities require very high grades in the KCSE examinations.

Although the engineer does not possess high practical skills, his or scientific, theoretical and managerial skills are very high.

Engineers head the technical teams in large or complex organizations. Their work involves solving design problems related to their field of specialisation.