Making Money From Adult Education

Many people attend adult education classes as a way of socializing or simply to obtain an insight into a new hobby. Few take advantage of the education gained to make money. Those who do, generate a few pounds from craft fairs and such like. Yet with a little insight adult education training can generate a real income.

Back in 1999 having attended a twenty six week Stained Glass course at my local Adult Education Centre, I quickly realized that to obtain the materials required to continue my new hobby I would need to travel great distances. On the few occasions I did make the journey I was confronted by bad service – manily because I was purchasing for my sole use and not vast quantities for retail. The problem was further compounded as there were only three main suppliers all of whom where purchasing their stocks from the same importation company. A further problem being that all three suppliers were stocking the same items – though surpisingly at vastly differing prices.

Many of those attending the classes in my centre (and students from previous years) were purchasing from the tutor as they were either unable or unwilling to deal with the main three suppliers.  I began to think if I could supply the students direct to the center where they were attending their classes they had no need to travel or deal with these unhelpful suppliers, thus my business was born.

Thus with an investment of just 600 pounds, initially working from home and my small car suffering the weight of boxed glass I made my first visit to a local Adult Education Centre. The initial visit was successful, word soon spread and with the aid of a little advertising the mobile glass shop became a victim of it’s own success.  Eight years on there were four mobile shops covering three counties and a fully stocked bricks and mortar shop. We had begun importing our stocks which enabled us to stock products the main three did not have. We began to teach our own classes and make bespoke items to order as well as ready made stock products from the shop floor.

Like any business it did not grow over night and caused many sleepless nights but the fact remains that the whole thing came from an Adult Education Class and a little insight – so next time the local centre pops a prospectus through your door think long and hard about which course you fancy and more importantly why.