You can develop the necessary skills for this role through a variety of routes.

While there’s not usually any formal qualifications you need to get into this role, entertainers will often have gained qualifications in order to develop their skills and to demonstrate their talents to others.

There are many courses available through workshops, summer schools and online, as well as at colleges and universities.

Entertainers will often have completed courses in:

• Performing arts (dance, drama, music)

• Comedy

• Video editing (useful to create Youtube content)

You could gain work experience and start to build a fan base and gain popularity through:

• Open-mic sessions at comedy clubs/local venues

• Working as an entertainer in holiday parks, resorts or on cruise ships

• Taking part in street festivals

Apprenticeships

You can gain skills and qualifications in the workplace through options such as:

Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) are chosen as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 but include hands-on learning at a local employer or college. They are the same level as a Higher.

You might want to consider an FA in areas such as:

• Creative and Digital Media 

Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.

You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:

• Creative and Digital Media

Not all employers list specific qualification requirements but they might ask for relevant experience, usually work based, that show a range of transferable skills.

As entertainers will normally be self-employed, an understanding of business would be useful. You will also need to be determined as there's strong competition in the entertainment industry.

You may want to consider joining Equity - a trade union for the entertainment industry - and you can then use their resources to find castings and vacancies.