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Unit Group (L4) • 7223

7223 — Metal Working Machine Tool Setters and Operators

7 CRAFT AND RELATED TRADES WORKERS› 72 Metal, Machinery and Related Trades Workers› 722 Blacksmiths, Tool-Makers and Related Trades Workers› 7223 Metal Working Machine Tool Setters and Operators

Explore overview, tasks, skills, education, work context, earnings, and pathways for this Unit Group.

L4 CODE: 7223
Job summary
  • Metal Working Machine Tool Setters and Operators (KeSCO 7223) supports outcomes in the Skilled Trades & Crafts sector by applying job-specific knowledge
  • standards
  • and tools to deliver quality services or outputs. Duties and complexity vary by employer
  • work setting
  • and seniority level
  • but the occupation generally requires reliability
  • competence
  • and continuous learning.
Minimum entry requirement summary
Artisan Certificate or Apprenticeship
Future outlook
  • Future trends such as digital transformation
  • automation
  • climate resilience
  • and changing consumer needs are shaping most occupations. Workers who continuously upskill (digital literacy
  • quality standards
  • safety
  • customer service
  • and modern tools) are more resilient and competitive.
Sectors and industries
Skilled Trades & CraftsConstructionManufacturingRepairs & MaintenanceCraftsInfrastructure
Employment prospects (narrative)
  • Prospects depend on national and county demand
  • sector investment
  • policy priorities
  • and supply of trained workers. Job seekers improve prospects by gaining practical experience
  • building a portfolio or track record
  • earning relevant certifications
  • and being flexible on location and sub-sector.
Key tasks (structured)
  • Plan and prioritise daily work activities to meet targets and deadlines
  • Follow workplace procedures, standards, and relevant regulations
  • Carry out core job duties accurately and safely
  • Use job tools/equipment/software correctly and maintain them appropriately
  • Communicate progress, issues, and requirements with supervisors and colleagues
  • Serve clients/customers professionally and resolve routine queries
  • Document work completed, maintain records, and submit routine reports
  • Identify errors, risks, or service gaps and propose improvements
  • Work as part of a team and coordinate tasks across units
  • Maintain confidentiality and ethical conduct where required
  • Comply with occupational safety and health (OSH) guidelines
  • Participate in training, mentoring, or continuous improvement activities
Core skills
  • Communication (verbal and written)
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Time management and prioritisation
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Customer service orientation
  • Integrity and ethical conduct
  • Adaptability and continuous learning
  • Decision-making and judgement
  • Documentation and record-keeping
  • Digital literacy (basic)
  • Safety awareness and compliance mindset
Technical / occupational skills
  • Use of hand and power tools safely
  • Installation, maintenance, and repair procedures
  • Reading drawings/specifications and measurements
  • Troubleshooting and fault diagnosis
  • Quality control and workmanship standards
  • Equipment handling and preventive maintenance
  • Workplace safety and PPE usage
  • Basic electrical/mechanical principles (as relevant)
  • Material handling and storage
  • Site readiness and task planning
  • Compliance with standards and inspections
Transferable / soft skills
  • Leadership and supervision (as one progresses)
  • Negotiation and stakeholder management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Presentation and public speaking
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Planning and organisation
  • Resilience and stress management
  • Service mindset and empathy
  • Networking and relationship building
  • Analytical thinking
  • Professionalism and work discipline
Skills & competencies (general description)
  • Prospects depend on national and county demand
  • sector investment
  • policy priorities
  • and supply of trained workers. Job seekers improve prospects by gaining practical experience
  • building a portfolio or track record
  • earning relevant certifications
  • and being flexible on location and sub-sector.
Certifications, licenses & registration
  • Trade test / competency certification (where applicable)
  • Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) certification (strongly recommended)
  • Equipment-specific operator certification (where applicable)
  • First Aid certification (recommended in many workplaces)
Education & training pathways (narrative)
  • TVET certificate/artisan programme aligned to the occupation
  • Diploma programme for more advanced technical roles
  • Attachment/industrial training/apprenticeship
  • Competency assessment/trade test (where applicable)
  • Experience-based progression into senior technician/foreman/supervisor roles
Education pathways (structured)
  • TVET certificate/artisan programme aligned to the occupation
  • Diploma programme for more advanced technical roles
  • Attachment/industrial training/apprenticeship
  • Competency assessment/trade test (where applicable)
  • Experience-based progression into senior technician/foreman/supervisor roles
Minimum entry requirements
  • Minimum education: Artisan Certificate or Apprenticeship
  • Basic literacy and numeracy (reading, writing, and basic calculations)
  • Good conduct, reliability, and professional behaviour
  • Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and workplace rules
  • Basic digital literacy where the role uses computers/phones
  • Physical/medical fitness where the role is physically demanding or safety-sensitive
  • Regulatory registration/licensing where required (profession-dependent)
  • Background checks/clearance for sensitive roles where applicable
Relevant courses to consider
  • Diploma/Certificate in Electrical/Electronics Engineering
  • Diploma/Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil/Construction Technology
  • Welding and Fabrication
  • Plumbing and Pipefitting
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
  • Automotive Mechanics
  • Plant/Machine Operation
  • Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
  • CAD/Draughting basics
Institutions where to learn
  • Universities (accredited public and private universities offering relevant programmes)
  • National Polytechnics and TVET institutions (diploma, certificate, artisan programmes)
  • Technical Training Institutes and Vocational Centres
  • Professional Colleges and Accredited Training Academies
  • Sector Training Authorities and Recognised Centres of Excellence
  • Employer-based Academies and Apprenticeship Programmes
  • Online Learning Platforms (supplementary; verify recognition for regulated fields)
  • Industry Associations and Professional Bodies (short courses/CPD)
Work environment & conditions (narrative)
  • Workplace policies
  • Team collaboration
  • Quality standards
  • Construction site
  • Workshop
  • Tool use
  • Safety gear
  • Physical work
Typical employers / places of work
  • Public sector institutions
  • private companies
  • NGOs and community-based organisations depending on the sector.
Work setting
Not specified.
Work schedule
Full-time commonOvertime possibleProject-based peaks
Employment type
Formal employment possibleInformal employment possibleSelf-employment common in some contextsContract/casual work possible
Salary ranges
Entry
KES 20,000 – 60,000
Mid
KES 60,000 – 100,000
Senior
KES 100,000+
Earnings, wages & prospects (narrative)
  • Entry-level typical range (illustrative): KES 20,000 – 60,000
  • Mid-level typical range (illustrative): KES 60,000 – 100,000
  • Senior/experienced typical range (illustrative): KES 100,000+
  • Earnings vary by employer (public/private), location, allowances, commissions, overtime, risk factors, and scarcity of skills
How to become one
  • Join a vocational training centre or apprenticeship programme in the trade
  • practice under experienced workers
  • obtain any required licences and build a reputation for quality.
Career progression
  • Trainee/Junior → Skilled worker → Senior skilled worker
  • Senior skilled worker → Foreman/Supervisor → Contractor/Business owner (common in trades)
Related & alternative occupations
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers and Pipe Fitters
  • Carpenters and Joiners
  • Welders and Flame Cutters
  • Painters and Related Workers
  • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics
Occupation titles
7223-11 — Borer, metal
7223-12 — Driller, metal
7223-13 — Machinist, CNC
7223-14 — Machinist, metal
7223-16 — Operator, lathe: engine (metal working)
7223-17 — Operator, lathe: metalworking
7223-18 — Operator, machine tool
7223-21 — Operator, machine: armature production
7223-22 — Operator, machine: automatic transfer (components)
7223-23 — Operator, machine: bending (metal)
7223-24 — Operator, machine: boiler production
7223-25 — Operator, machine: boring/buffing/burnishing (metal)
7223-26 — Operator, machine: cable (production)
7223-27 — Operator, machine: clock (production)
7223-28 — Operator, machine: commutator (production)
7223-31 — Operator, machine: cutting (metal)
7223-32 — Operator, machine: drilling (metal)
7223-33 — Operator, machine: engraving/etching (metal)
7223-34 — Operator, machine: flame cutting (metal)
7223-35 — Operator, machine: forging/forming /honing (metal)
7223-36 — Operator, machine: jewellery (production)
7223-37 — Operator, machine: lapping (metal)
7223-38 — Operator, machine: metal products
7223-41 — Operator, machine: milling/ minting/ moulding (metal)
7223-42 — Operator, machine: needle production
7223-43 — Operator, machine: nut production (metal)
7223-44 — Operator, machine: pipe production (metal)
7223-45 — Operator, machine: planing (metal)
7223-46 — Operator, machine: precision grinding (metal)
7223-47 — Operator, machine: reaming (metal)
7223-48 — Operator, machine: rivet production
7223-51 — Operator, machine: sawing (metal)
7223-52 — Operator, machine: shaping (metal)
7223-53 — Operator, machine: sports equipment (metal)
7223-54 — Operator, machine: tool production
7223-55 — Operator, machine: toy production (metal)
7223-56 — Operator, machine: watch production
7223-57 — Operator, machine: wiring (electric)
7223-58 — Operator, power-shear
7223-61 — Operator, press: punching (metal)
7223-62 — Operator, press: stamping (metal)
7223-15 — Operator, Turrent and Capstan Lathe
Machine -Tool and Other Metal-Working Machine Operators — Setter-operator, boring machine: metal working
7223-66 — Setter-operator, cutting machine: metal working
7223-67 — Setter-operator, die-sinking machine: metal working
7223-68 — Setter-operator, drilling machine: metal working
7223-71 — Setter-operator, extruding machine: metal working
7223-72 — Setter-operator, grinding machine: metal working
7223-73 — Setter-operator, honing machine: metal working
7223-74 — Setter-operator, lapping machine: metal working
7223-75 — Setter-operator, lathe: metal working
7223-76 — Setter-operator, metalworking machine
7223-77 — Setter-operator, milling machine: metal working
7223-78 — Setter-operator, numerical control machine: metal working
7223-81 — Setter-operator, planing machine: metal working
7223-82 — Setter-operator, precision-grinding machine: metal working
7223-83 — Setter-operator, reaming machine: metal working
7223-84 — Setter-operator, routing machine: metal working
7223-85 — Setter-operator, shaping machine: metal working
7223-63 — Setter, machine tool
7223-64 — Setter, metalworking machine
7223-86 — Spinner, metal
7223-87 — Spinner, sheet-metal
7223-88 — Turner, metal