Who is a catering and accommodation craftsman?
A catering and accommodation craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in catering and accommodation management or a closely related field. Catering is the provision of food and drink in hotels, aircrafts, cruise ships or social events among other areas. Accommodation on the other hand is a room or a building where people may rent to stay. Catering and accommodation management deals with various activities related to food and beverage production, service and management of catering and accommodation services. Under the guidance and supervision of senior catering and accommodation officers, catering and accommodation craftsmen assist in food and beverage production, catering services and management of accommodation establishments among other related duties.

Other related title(s)

1. Caterer
2. Waiter/ waitress
3. Housekeeper
4. Room attendant
5. Catering and housekeeping master craft person III

What is the work environment?
Catering and accommodation craftsmen work indoor among other environments.

Some important skills and qualities to have

1. Communication skills
2. Interpersonal skills
3. Basic computer skills
4. Problem solving skills
5. Organization skills
6. Time management skills
7. Creativity skills
8. Basic first aid skills
9. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Catering and accommodation craftsmen can find employment opportunities in various organizations within the hospitality sector such as; hotels, motels, lodging houses, clubs, learning institutions, airlines, cruise ships, luxury and entertainment properties, hospitals and other enterprises and institutions.

With experience, catering and accommodation craftsmen can also use their skills and creativity and start their own catering and accommodation businesses.

Becoming a catering and accommodation craftsman

Minimum admission requirements

1. A mean grade of D (Plain) and above in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination or its equivalent;
2. Artisan certificate/ completion of KNQF level 4
3. Or other approved qualification

Training & Study options
If you meet the above minimum admission requirements, 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 catering and accommodation management
2. Craft certificate in catering and accommodation operation
3. Or other similar/ related fields

Qualifications Level
Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF level 5)

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 postsecondary education. Some of them are listed below;

1. Apply for education loan through Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). Besides the loan, HELB can also give you a bursary. Visit HELB website for more information on loan limits and bursaries.
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, among other sources.
5. Get timely information on these scholarships, bursaries and financial aid to know where and when to apply.

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