Online workplace skills training

Individuals paying for their own career development, small and mid-sized employers training staff, and sometimes workforce programs that fund approved training.

Fees per learner for a course, flat fees for a group session booked by an employer, and repeat bookings or subscriptions for ongoing training.

• Deep knowledge of one workplace skill
• Clear teaching and presenting
• Building simple course materials
• Selling to small employers

• Check whether your state requires approval or licensing for career or vocational schools, which can depend on the type of training and whether you award certificates
• Be careful about promising job outcomes or using words like accredited or certified unless you are sure you can back them up
• If you want public workforce funding, check how your local workforce board approves training providers, as the process can be slow
• Consider general liability or professional liability insurance and check the licensing terms of any course materials you use

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on the tools, course materials and any insurance you choose. These are estimates. Check the licensing terms of any course materials you use.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on how many courses you sell, who buys them and the hours you put in. You can start at around 8 hours a week.

Check whether your state requires approval or licensing for career or vocational schools, which can depend on the type of training and whether you award certificates. Avoid promising job outcomes or using words like accredited or certified unless you can back them up.