Technical skills training for local employers
Teach IT or technical skills to staff at small businesses, on-site or online, without needing your own training premises.
- A$500-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A lean training business where you deliver short technical courses at your clients' workplaces or by video. Typical topics are IT basics, cybersecurity awareness, spreadsheets and data tools, or equipment operation, depending on your background.
Your first three steps
- Choose one topic and write a half-day course outline with clear outcomes for learners
- Offer a free or discounted pilot session to a local business and collect a testimonial
- Set up an ABN, a simple website and a short list of local businesses to approach by email or in person
Who pays
Small and medium businesses, trade firms, councils and community organisations that want staff upskilled.
How it makes money
A fixed fee per session or per day of training, plus a charge for course materials. Repeat bookings and follow-up sessions build steady income.
Skills that help
- Strong technical knowledge to teach from
- Clear explanations for beginners
- Preparing course materials
- Building relationships with business owners
Watch out for
- Nationally recognised qualifications need a registered training organisation, so check ASQA rules and consider partnering with one
- Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
- GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold
- Winning work can take time, so build a few reliable clients before leaving other income
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: technical skills training for local employers
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a technical training business?
Startup costs are typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your course materials, equipment, insurance and marketing. These are estimates only, so start with the topics you already know well.
How much can I earn training staff at local businesses?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many clients you win, your course prices and how often you deliver. Winning work can take time, so build a few reliable clients first.
What rules should I check before offering technical training?
Nationally recognised qualifications need a registered training organisation, so check ASQA rules and consider partnering with one. Also check public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold.
Other ways to run this business
Similar teaching and tutoring ideas
Pop-up cooking classes in a hired kitchen
Run small hands-on cooking classes for home cooks in a hired community or commercial kitchen.
- A$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Casual babysitter booking agency
Connect families with checked local babysitters for date nights and last-minute cover, and keep a booking fee.
- A$1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Online
Part-time driving instructor
Teach evening and weekend lessons using a car supplied by an established driving school.
- A$1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Part-time dance classes in a hired hall
Teach weekly kids' and adult dance classes in a community hall, with families paying by the term.
- A$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Pop-up playgroup at cafes and venues
Bring a themed play setup to cafes, gyms and function rooms, and run paid sessions for local families without your own premises.
- A$1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Adult skills and short course classes
Hire a room and run evening or weekend classes in a practical skill you know well.
- A$500-4k
- Side hustle
- Own premises