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Unit Group (L4) • 7522

7522 — Cabinet-Makers And Related Workers

7 CRAFT AND RELATED TRADES WORKERS› 75 Food Processing, Woodworking, Garment and Other Crafts and Related Trades Workers› 752 Wood Treaters, Cabinet-Makers and Related Trades Workers› 7522 Cabinet-Makers And Related Workers

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

L4 CODE: 7522
Job summary
  • Cabinet-Makers And Related Workers (KeSCO 7522) supports outcomes in the Manufacturing & Handicrafts 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
Manufacturing & HandicraftsConstructionManufacturingRepairs & 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
7521-28 — Applier, veneer
7522-11 — Bender, wood
7522-12 — Bodybuilder, vehicle: wooden
7522-53 — Builder, boat-body
7522-13 — Builder, coach-body: wooden
7522-14 — Builder, vehicle-body: wooden
7522-15 — Builder, vehicle-frame: wooden
7522-16 — Cabinet-maker
7522-17 — Cabinet-maker, furniture
7522-18 — Cartwright
7522-21 — Carver, wood
7522-22 — Cooper
7522-23 — Finisher, wooden furniture
7522-24 — Inlayer, marquetry
7522-55 — Maker hand cart
7522-25 — Maker, barrel
7522-26 — Maker, cask
7522-27 — Maker, chair
7522-28 — Maker, clock case
7522-31 — Maker, clog
7522-32 — Maker, coffin
7522-33 — Maker, furniture: cane
7522-34 — Maker, instrument case
7522-35 — Maker, ladder: wood
7522-54 — Maker, mkokoteni
7522-36 — Maker, model: wooden
7522-37 — Maker, piano case
7522-38 — Maker, picture frame
7522-41 — Maker, pipe: smoking (wood)
7522-42 — Maker, sports equipment: wood
7522-43 — Maker, tank: wooden
7522-44 — Marker, woodworking
7522-45 — Patternmaker, wood
7522-46 — Stainer, wooden furniture
7522-47 — Tenoner
7522-48 — Varnisher, wooden furniture
7522-52 — Wheelwright
7522-56 — Woodcarver, construction