Telecoms and cabling training centre

Career changers paying for themselves, installation companies upskilling staff, and apprentices or trainees sponsored by their employers.

Course fees per learner, often with a discount for employers booking several places. Extra income can come from hiring out the training space or selling tool kits.

• Hands-on telecoms or cabling experience
• Clear teaching and patience with beginners
• Organising courses, bookings and equipment

• Employers often want certificates from a recognised awarding body, so check what approval you need before promising accredited qualifications
• Check whether you need a teaching qualification or whether your experience alone will be accepted by your customers
• Public liability insurance, and check if you need cover for learners using tools and equipment
• Health and safety, including working at height, electrical safety and eye safety around fibre
• Lease terms, business rates and planning use for the premises, so check with your landlord and council
• Fusion splicers and test equipment can be costly, so check prices before committing

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit, equipment such as splicers and test gear, and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and check equipment prices before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on course prices, group sizes and how often you run courses. Treat this as an estimate rather than a promise of income.

Check what approval you need before promising accredited qualifications, as employers often want certificates from a recognised awarding body. Also check teaching qualification expectations, public liability cover, health and safety, and lease, business rates and planning use for premises.