How to Make Money During NYSC: 7 Hands On Skills Every Corper Should Learn

Let’s be honest. For most NYSC members, that monthly allowance finishes faster than expected. Between transport, food, and basic bills, many Corpers are stuck. Some rely heavily on family, while others quietly borrow until POP.

But your service year doesn’t have to be a survival year. With the right skill, you can start earning steady income, even from your PPA, your lodge, or your CDS group.

This is not about online surveys or trying to sell things you do not understand. These are real skills you can learn and start using in real life. Below are seven practical and affordable skills every Corper should consider learning.

1. Tailoring and Basic Fashion Design

No matter where you are posted, there will always be people who need clothes sewn, adjusted, or styled. From school uniforms to church clothes and Aso ebi, tailoring is in demand all year.

You do not need a fancy machine or fashion studio to start. Once you learn basic stitching, straight sewing, zip replacement, and simple designs, you can begin small jobs from your lodge or church.

Learn from Suwk
Our fashion and tailoring course breaks everything down into simple steps so you can learn patterns, stitching, and finishing at your own pace using your phone.

2. Makeup Artistry

Whether you are posted in a village or city, people are still having weddings, birthdays, naming ceremonies, and special photoshoots. That means makeup artists are always needed.

Once you can do clean brows, skin prep, and neat application, you can start taking bookings during weekends or for friends at your PPA.

Learn from Suwk
Our makeup artistry course is beginner friendly and shows you how to work on real faces, build a starter kit, and set your prices with confidence.

3. Hairdressing and Wig Installation

Many Corpers already know how to braid or revamp wigs for friends. But with proper training, you can turn that into a real hustle.

With knowledge in cornrows, styling, wig installations, and natural hair treatment, you can begin charging for your work. You do not need a shop. You just need skill and consistency.

Learn from Suwk
Our hairdressing course teaches braiding, wig making, hair prep, and more through easy to follow videos designed for learners in Nigeria.

4. Barbing

Barbing is one of the fastest ways to earn daily income. If you can deliver clean fades, sharp lines, and know how to maintain hygiene, you can get clients anywhere you are posted.

You do not need a shop. Just get your clippers and start with the people around you. Many Corpers are already barbing from their lodge.

Learn from Suwk
Our barbing course teaches modern clipper use, haircut techniques, beard care, and how to serve clients professionally from day one.

5. Residential Painting and Wall Finishing

Painting is an income opportunity people often overlook. In your NYSC town, churches, schools, homes, and small offices are always getting a fresh coat of paint.

If you can paint well, understand color combinations, and deliver clean finishing, you can take jobs on weekends or help decorators.

Learn from Suwk
Our painting course is hands on. You will learn how to paint, mix colors, prep a surface, and finish a job like a professional.

6. Solar Installation

Power problems are everywhere. This is why solar installation is in demand, especially in areas where Corpers are posted.

If you can set up solar panels, connect inverters, and guide people on what to buy for their homes or offices, you will always find work.

Learn from Suwk
Our solar course teaches the full system in plain language. You will learn how to connect, test, and troubleshoot even with limited tools.

7. Sustainable Furniture Making

If you enjoy working with your hands and have a creative side, furniture making might be perfect for you. You can make stools, shelves, small tables, and storage boxes using simple tools and even recycled materials.

This is especially useful if you are posted to a place with lots of student lodges, hostels, or local businesses.

Learn from Suwk
Our sustainable furniture course walks you through measuring, cutting, assembling, and finishing simple furniture pieces that are functional and stylish.

Final Word

Your NYSC year should not be wasted on just waiting for allowance or running CDS meetings. It is a perfect time to learn something useful. If you start now, you can start earning while still serving. And by the time you finish, you will already have something to fall back on.

Suwk offers practical, affordable training in all seven of these skills. You do not need prior experience. You just need your phone, your time, and your willingness to learn.

Visit SUWK Learn to get started today.
Because NYSC is temporary, but your skill is forever.