Freelance Jobs (for skill/TVET practitioners) to Generate Side Income
Am sure you (including most Malaysians) want to know how to generate side income (in BM) considering the depreciating value of the Malaysian Ringgit, rise in inflation and the economic turmoil that has hit as a result of the COVID pandemic since 2020 and Russia-Ukraine war.
Are you aware that you may be able to buy 20 items in 2010 with RM100 but now (2022), you might only be able to buy 10 of the same items. This is what inflation means.
So, to overcome this, you need to increase your ability to earn more income, via freelance jobs or otherwise.
Actually, there are many options and freelance jobs that you can do to generate side income, be it on part-time, contract or short-term basis.
Performing freelance jobs while having a regular job is not wrong. Most important is flexibility; where the freelance job does not interfere with the productivity of your regular job.
Keep your mind open, think about what you can do, don’t be bound by previous work experience. You may be able to develop your hobby further, do something you like and not because you have to.
You can consider the following freelance jobs to generate side income.
1. Skills/TVET trainer
Become a skills/TVET trainer at any Department of Skills Development (DSD) accredited training centre, SLaPB or SLDN Training Center.
More and more JPK Accredited centers are offering modular@micro-credential programs that may be implemented part-time or there are certain modules where existing Assessors do not have the in-depth knowledge to teach effectively.
Armed with industry experience, trainers like you are the most needed because you don’t just teach according to the curriculum but can relate and give many examples that happen in the actual working environment.
The qualifications to become a skills/TVET trainer* or Assessor (teaching & assessing candidates) are:
a. PP-PPD-PPB induction course cert (2 days online weekend course)
b. Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM)@Malaysian Skills Certificate in English of your field, min SKM 3 – can apply via working experience@PPT
c. VTO certificate*@Vocational Training Operation certificate (6 mths part time + 6 mths internship)
* Kindly read the difference between skills trainer (TP) anda assessor (PP).
Or you can conduct online classes part-time . For example, sewing, baking, cooking classes, how to use Microsoft Excel, Word, canva etc. through platforms such as YouTube, Google Classroom or other Learning Management System (LMS).
2. As an Assessor for PPT method (PP-PPT)
If you have a Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) and more than 10 years of experience in your SKM field, you are also eligible to be appointed as an Assessor – Recognition of Prior Achievement (PP-PPT).
The working time is very flexible because the counseling & assessment time is set between you as PP-PPT and also the applicant.
The qualifications for the appointment of PP-PPT are:
a. Malaysian
b. > 10 years of experience in your SKM field (appointment may also be done even if < 10 years in a critical field – not enough/less PP-PPT in that field).
c. Possess – Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM 3)/(DKM)/(DLKM)
d. Pass the PP-PP-PPT induction course
Allowance for counseling and portfolio assessment for each level is RM 100/level/program.
Other allowances are travel/accommodation/meal/daily allowance.
3. As an External Verifier (Pegawai Pengesah Luaran - PPL)
The conditions for the appointment of PPL are:
a. Malaysian
b. > 10 years of experience in your SKM field (appointment may also be done even if < 10 years in a critical field – not enough/less PPL in that field).
c. Possess Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM 3)/(DKM)/(DLKM)
d. Pass the PP-PPD-PPB induction course
e. Pass the PPL induction course
Verification fee at a PB SLaPB/SLDN Centre/Company for a day is RM320/8 hours OR RM 40.00/hour.
Other allowances are travel/accommodation/meal/daily allowance.
For more information about PPL, you can read more here.
4. NOSS Development Panel
You are definitely an expert in your field with your extensive industrial experience.
The Department of Skills Development (DSD) may need your expertise and time be part of the development committee as panel to develop the National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS).
You just need to attend KURSUS PEMBANGUNAN NOSS (DESCUM) that is conducted FREE by CIAST. Accomodation and meals are provided as well.
5. NOSS Facilitator
Just like the NOSS development panel, qualified facilitators with in-depth experience in the field are also needed.
After attending the KURSUS PEMBANGUNAN NOSS (DESCUM), you can continue with the NOSS FACILITATOR (DESCUM) / WIM / QUESTIONS course which is also organized for FREE. Accommodation and meals are provided.
6. As freelancer
There are also other freelance jobs that you can do independently, offering services that suits your skills and experience.
For example, if you are an auto mechanic, you can offer to service other people’s car at your house (those that doesn’t need heavy/expensive equipment) or become a salesperson (if you have the skills to sell as well) because you have knowledge and skills about cars (engines etc).
Platforms like Kaodim.com (for local services), Fiverr.com and Freelancer.com (for online services) are among the websites you can visit to offer your services.
7. Writing blogs/creating video tutorial
Earning a side income online can be as simple as writing about things you are passionate and knowledgeable about.
Regardless of the field (automotive, photography, beauty, fashion or any other skills) that you are good at/interested in, you should be diligent in publishing high quality articles to attract readers’ interest. Side income may be in terms of advertising (Google ads), affiliate marketing or you promote a specific company’s product/service.
It’s the same for videos (Youtube, TikTok). It doesn’t matter whether it’s a tutorial video, information or entertainment type, the main objective is to produce quality content that can attract viewers. The source of income is almost the same as writing a blog mentioned above.
So which freelance jobs idea best suits you?
As long as you have the will, you can definitely find a way to generate side income that suits your schedule and qualifications.
However, the most important thing is to take action. Knowing but doing nothing will not change your current situation.
