Hands-on technical short-course workshop

Hobbyists, career changers, people wanting a taste of a trade before committing, and local employers upskilling staff.

Fees per student for each course or workshop, plus optional materials charges. Private group bookings and employer sessions can fill quiet weekdays.

• Solid practical skill in your subject
• Clear teaching and patience
• Safe workshop management
• Basic marketing and bookings

• Only registered training organisations can issue nationally recognised qualifications, so check ASQA rules before using words like 'accredited' or 'certificate'
• Public liability insurance, and check whether your insurer covers teaching with machinery and tools
• Workplace health and safety duties for students, including supervision and protective gear (check your state's regulator)
• Council zoning and approval for running classes from your premises
• Teaching regulated work such as electrical or gas fitting needs care, so check what is allowed in your state

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the unit, tools, protective gear and insurance. These are estimates only, so check what equipment you need for your first course before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many courses you run, class sizes and your course prices. This is an estimate of revenue, before rent, equipment and other costs.

Only registered training organisations can issue nationally recognised qualifications, so check ASQA rules before using words like accredited or certificate. Also check public liability cover for machinery, workplace health and safety duties, council zoning, and what teaching regulated work is allowed in your state.