Job-skills short course provider

Run short, practical, non-accredited courses that help people get job-ready in a field you know well.

Students learning hands-on skills in a vocational training workshop.
Startup costA$1.5k to A$7k
Monthly revenueA$1k to A$6k
Time needed8+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • A$1.5k-7k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

Short workshops and courses in a career area you know well, such as office software, customer service, hospitality basics or trade site preparation. They are not nationally accredited qualifications. You hire rooms or go to employers' sites, and you can add online sessions.

Your first three steps

  1. Pick one job area you know well and ask local employers what skills new staff are missing
  2. Draft a one-day course outline and price, then test it with a small pilot group at a discounted rate
  3. Set up an ABN, take out insurance, and promote the course through local community groups, employers and social media
Who pays

Career changers, school leavers, jobseekers paying for themselves, and small employers who want staff trained.

How it makes money

Course fee per person, or a fixed price per group session for employers. Extras can include workbooks, follow-up coaching and certificates of completion.

Skills that help
  • Strong experience in the field you teach
  • Clear teaching and presenting
  • Organising venues, bookings and materials
Watch out for
  • Only nationally recognised training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) can lead to an accredited qualification, so check ASQA's rules before using words like 'accredited' or 'certified'
  • Some courses, such as first aid, white card or licensed high-risk work, can only be delivered by an RTO. Check before you advertise them
  • Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
  • Check Australian Consumer Law rules on what you promise about jobs or outcomes
  • Check whether you need a Working with Children Check if you teach under-18s, and whether GST registration applies as your turnover grows

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: job-skills short course provider

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
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a short course business?

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000 as an estimate, depending on course materials, venue hire, marketing and insurance. Costs vary with how many courses you launch and whether you add online sessions.

How much can a short course provider earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $6,000 as an estimate, depending on your course prices, class sizes and how often you run sessions. Results vary, so treat these figures as a guide only.

Do I need to be a registered training organisation to run short courses?

Check ASQA's rules before using words like 'accredited' or 'certified', as only an RTO can lead to an accredited qualification. Some courses, such as first aid, white card or licensed high-risk work, can only be delivered by an RTO, so check before advertising.

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