NTUC first announced in August 2018 its intention to form an association to represent the needs of some 5,000 freelance coaches and instructors in the fields of sports, fitness, music, dance and wellness.
That led to the formal registration of the National Instructors and Coaches Association (NICA) and its subsequent affiliation with the Labour Movement in January 2019.
Supporting Freelance Coaches And Instructors
In an exclusive session with the media on 20 February 2019, NTUC Assistant Director-General (ADG) and Director of U FSE (Freelancers and Self-Employed Unit) Ang Hin Kee reiterated the association’s commitment towards helping these freelance coaches and instructors.
ADG Ang said the association’s top priority lies in enhancing the skills of freelancers and developing a recognised certification and qualification framework.
As the association comprises different freelancer groups – music, dance, sports and wellness –the efforts will have to be led by the individual groups of instructors and coaches themselves. However, NICA will support them by engaging with Government and relevant industry stakeholders to help create an eco-system that helps freelancers deepen their competencies and acquire the necessary new skills. This will not just see them remain relevant but help them grow their opportunities.
Early examples of support cited include a range of Masterclasses and mentorship sessions organised together with NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and NTUC LearningHub.
“NICA builds on the cooperation between NTUC, freelancer communities and government agencies such as the Ministry of Education and SportSG to strengthen the contracting practices and the professionalism of instructors and coaches.
“Continuing professional development workshops in coaching techniques, for instance, have gained traction with coaches who are keen to deepen their technical expertise. We also hope to do more to equip coaches and instructors with skills and technology to thrive in an increasingly digitalised world… In this regard, we look forward to the support of stakeholders to replicate this progressive model of partnership for the other freelancer sectors that NICA represents,” shared NICA Protem Committee Secretary and Sports Coach, Justin Teh.
ADG Ang added that NTUC’s U FSE is also working closely with these freelancer communities to organise special Masterclasses.
“We have had some early successes in areas such as technical training for riggers by Singapore Talent, Artistes and Resources and a Freelancing 101 boot camp for newer creative freelancers by CreativesatWork, which was supported by U FSE and e2i.
“We would also like to work with NICA to better educate new entrants to these professions through workshops or resource kits to help new entrants navigate the freelance trade,” said ADG Ang.
Budget 2019 Calls
On the sidelines of the media sharing, ADG Ang also revealed some of his talking points during the Budget 2019 debates in Parliament on 26 February 2019.
“My call during the budget debate will mainly drive at how we can make the wages of freelancers more sustainable. Whether through skills competencies or exposing them to international markets or sustaining them through clearer contracts, there should also be sustainable growth in their wages,” he shared.
Centered around work prospects, ADG Ang said that opportunities through the new Global Ready Talent Programme, deeper competencies, and clear contracts offered, there can be new opportunities for freelancers as well.
Regarding the area of protection, ADG Ang shared that he hopes to explore how the Government and other buyers of freelance services can send a stronger signal to encourage freelancers to protect themselves with an insurance policy, such as the Prolonged Medical Leave Insurance products available in the market.
Calling on the Government to take the lead, ADG Ang said government procurement practices should take into consideration freelancers who are insured and view them favourably.
“The Government could consider this as a plus point for the freelancers because they are making an effort to protect themselves. Moving in this direction can give freelancers the assurance that they can get better protection and factor the costs into their tender bid,” said ADG Ang.
[Read more: All About NICA]
[Read more: Protection for Freelance Coaches and Instructors]
