NFVF releases graduate absorption study results

Releasing the results of the study, Aifheli Dzebu, NFVF head of policy and research, said, “By regularly surveying graduates, a picture can be built up of their entry into and progression through the labour market. A regular graduate tracking system can potentially provide the NFVF, current and prospective students, as well as employers, with in-depth information on the way in which the graduates in the film and television industry progress, thus assisting them to make realistic career plans. The study can further serve as barometer to measure the educational outputs and the type of employment opportunities available.”

The aim of the study, launched in April 2008, was to establish the employment status of NFVF-funded graduates and the industries they are employed in; reasons for unemployment; relevancy of courses studied in their career; challenges faced during studies; current position; first position after graduation; duration of employment; and remuneration.

The NFVF has so far awarded bursaries to 230 students since 2001 to study in local and international institutions. Section 4 (1)(a) and Section 3 (e) of the NFVF Act No. 73 of 1997 stipulates that the NFVF must make bursaries and loans available for local and overseas studies and address historical imbalances in the distribution of skills.

Results summary

Out of graduates interviewed, eight (14%) of the graduates indicated they were unemployed against 51 (86%) who indicated they were employed. Of these 51, five indicated that they have established their own companies.

All white graduates that responded to the questionnaire indicated that they are employed. Of the unemployed graduates, four indicated they graduated in 2007, three in 2005 and one graduated in 2004. Three graduates indicated they were looking for employment but unable to find any opportunity. One graduate indicated he opted to further his studies and the other four did not indicate the reasons for their unemployment. Four of the unemployed graduates indicated they have never been employed since they graduated and four indicated that they had been employed in the industry.

Most respondents identified insufficient resources as the most common problem experienced during studies. The reason for that can be attributed to the fact that the NFVF pays 75% of tuition fee because of limited budget and does not cover for accommodation, study materials and projects, and for that reason students had to source their own funds to cater for expenses not covered by the bursary. It is also evident that there is less interaction between students and the industry.

The study recommended that the graduate absorption tracking needs to be carried out regularly so as not to lose track of the NFVF bursary holding students. The study further suggested that the NFVF should facilitate an interface session with industry practitioners and final year students so as to familiarise them with the industry and also help them to build inroads into the labour market.

“Critical importance”

“While it is clear that the labour market is able to absorb graduates with 51 out of 59 being able to find employment within the industry, it will also be of critical importance for the NFVF to consider conducting a follow-up on the challenges as experienced by the graduates,” commented Dzebu.

The NFVF believes that effective skills development and nurturing prospects for people from disadvantaged communities are fundamental to the advancement of the film industry in South Africa and thus invests millions of rands each year funding deserving students who have a passion for the industry and want to pursue a career in the industry.

For detailed results of the report, go to www.nfvf.co.za.