Careers of passion - can they offer financial stability?

For most learners, choosing a qualification is a potentially life-changing decision as it will dictate their career. Moreover, while careers like drama coaching, voice-over work and set design seem exciting, the perception is that one can't make a sustainable living working in these professions.
Edexcel, the global qualifications awarding organisation, has put its weight behind such vocations regarded as careers of passion. A recent partnership with Northlink College to accredit their BTEC NHD (National Higher Diploma) in Performing Arts, is evidence of its conviction that these qualifications offer feasible and sustainable career options.
Says Ian Yoell, Regional Director of Edexcel Southern Africa, "Our partnership with Northlink College is set to propel the institution forward and set it apart from competitors. Tailor-made qualifications, like the BTEC in Performing Arts, enable the institution to combine a qualification with specific units of choice, providing the college with a valuable competitive edge".
Entrepreneurship is a growing trend in South Africa and employing innovation and creativity to secure an income, provides at least one viable solution to the current unemployment rate.
"Of course, it is important to study hard and be dedicated to assure a position for yourself in the industry," says Monice Brand, Program Manager:Department Sport, Golf and Performing Arts at Northlink College. "The unemployment rate in South Africa is quite high and students must realise that only the best artists and sportspeople will survive."
While there is indeed a space for entrepreneurship in arts industries, individuals must be equipped through qualifications and experience and should also be on the leading edge of trends.
The BTEC HND in Performing Arts is an internationally recognised and accredited qualification. Northlink College offers a dual qualification in Marketing N4-N5, which can be obtained in conjunction with the Performing Arts qualification.
Northlink College is the first further education and training (FET) college in South Africa to link with Edexcel as business partners in education.
Careers of passion can become a financially viable and sustainable career with the right qualifications and training. Learners interested in fulfilling their dream of becoming the next great actor or set designer, need only find out what the qualifications are for the entry level position and structure their educational path to meet these qualifications.