Small hands-on trade training centre

Adults changing career, school leavers, and employers sending staff on training. Some learners may be funded through employers or local schemes.

Course fees per learner, often with a deposit and instalments. Extra income can come from exam or certificate fees, kit packs and short taster days.

• Strong working experience in the trade you teach
• Clear teaching and patience with beginners
• Organising timetables, groups and equipment

• Whether you need to be an approved centre with an awarding body for the qualifications you want to offer
• Teaching under-18s or apprentices can bring extra rules (Ofsted, safeguarding, DBS checks), so check what applies to you
• Becoming an apprenticeship provider has its own registration and funding rules, check with the government before promising it
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire tutors, and health and safety for workshop equipment
• Planning, lease and business rates for the premises, check with your council and landlord
• Fair refund terms and clear course descriptions under consumer law

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, the equipment your chosen trade needs and your insurance. Check the lease and business rates before committing.

Check whether you need to be an approved centre with an awarding body for the qualifications you offer. Teaching under-18s or apprentices can bring extra rules, and becoming an apprenticeship provider has its own registration and funding rules.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on course fees, group sizes and how many courses you run. This is revenue, not profit, and the idea assumes at least around 20 hours a week.