Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
What this career actually involves
Key tasks
- Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges,…
- Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective…
Skills and strengths
- Clear communication
- Attention to performance and quality
- Close visual accuracy
- Precise control
Typical work environment
Work environment varies by employer; may combine office, field, client-site and practical settings
Employment type
Private sector
Study routes from KCSE onward
Kenya-specific pathways, drawn from KUCCPS and the relevant professional regulator.
Pathway after KCSE
KCSE → relevant TVET certificate/diploma/apprenticeship → supervised practical work → qualified entry role → Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic → technician/supervisor/contractor or business owner
Typical training route
TVET certificate/diploma, apprenticeship or trade training; certification may be required
Representative KUCCPS pathway
RELEVANT KUCCPS TVET LEVEL 4-6 PROGRAMME
Entry requirements
KUCCPS general bands: Diploma/Level 6 C or C-; Certificate/Level 5 D+ or D; Artisan/Level 4 D- or E. Many trade programmes list no additional subject-specific minimum.
Training duration
Artisan: roughly 6-18 months; certificate: about 1-2 years; diploma/Level 6: about 2-3 years
Helpful KCSE subjects
Related courses
- Relevant TVET Level 4-6 trade: electrical, mechanical, automotive, welding, plumbing, masonry, carpentry, refrigeration, fabrication or maintenance
Institutions offering this route
Examples, not an exhaustive list.
- 251 public TVET colleges were available for KUCCPS placement in 2026, including national polytechnics and technical/vocational colleges countrywide
Professional regulator
No single statutory professional regulator identified for this general title
Demand and the effect of AI
Kenya demand
Medium-High - manufacturing is a major economic sector; technical, quality, maintenance and automation skills improve prospects.
Future outlook / AI impact
Transforming / automation-sensitive — robotics, computer vision and AI can automate repetitive production and inspection. Maintenance, advanced machinery, quality, safety and automation skills improve resilience.
Possible specialisations
- Adjuster
- Angle Shear Operator
- Angle Shear Setup Operator
- Arbor Press Operator
- Automatic Punch Press Operator
Exact trade certification/licensing depends on occupation; apprenticeship and practical competence are central.
Could this career suit you?
May suit you if you prefer practical hands-on work, tools, systems and visible results; useful strengths include Clear communication, Attention to performance and quality, Close visual accuracy.
Weighing this against something else?
Put them side by side on subjects, entry requirements, duration and outlook.
Related careers
Roles that share skills, subjects or study routes with this one.
Sources
Occupation data: O*NET 51-4031.00. Kenya pathway: KUCCPS / regulator. Last verified 24 August 2026.
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