Start a Computer Training School

The proficiency of workers in the knowledge of computer has become a necessary requirement for working in most industries and establishments. However, as technology continues to develop and evolve, workers may not have the skills required to perform in a technology-inclined firm. The need for continuous development and training in this vast field therefore, presents an opportunity for computer entrepreneurs who are effective teachers. By starting a computer training school, you can take an advantage of your computer expertise by training students and clients. Take the following steps: 

  
One: Try to gain proficiency/expertise in various computer programs which are useful in the business world.  Database, AutoCAD, word processing, Peachtree, slide presentation, spreadsheet program, and other packages are very useful in most industries and establishments. So learning to use them in every aspect will be of immense benefit to you.

You can make yourself useful by providing training on the more advanced aspects.  
Two: Design your school curriculum: understanding how to use a program does not make you a qualified tutor/instructor. You can either purchase teaching materials or create yours. Organize your lectures into segmented units that cover the most essential aspects of the programs while placing item of instructions in a logical and understanding order.

Three: Have a lecture venue. Depending on the number of students you expect to have, decide whether you want to rent an office space on a monthly basis or a conference room hourly. Some office rental companies offer conference rooms with computers, set-up according to your specific requirements. Another option is to run a mobile computer education business. Instead of renting your own space, go to companies and teach their employees while at work.

Four: Design and develop your website. A website is a collection of information about an organization. If you don’t have plans to do much of online advertising, I advise that you have an internet presence because it will help to establish legitimacy especially since your business is computer-oriented. Have pages like: ‘about us’, ‘our services’, ‘our programs’, ‘our contact’ etc. On the website, give information about your School, qualifications, expertise, curriculum and the services you render. Don’t fail to mention any requisite certifications you have obtained.

Five: Have a marketing plan in place. Itemize the advertising and marketing strategies you intend to explore in order to get clients. That is; online advertising, direct marketing, broadcast advertising and print advertising. Outline the specific avenues in which you plan to advertise, and make a plan of how much money you plan to spend for such. Your marketing strategies should include: Handbills/ flyers, Banners, Posters, Leaflets, Live interviews, Place adverts in some local tabloids etc.

Have a name like Jepinak Computer Academy or Jepinak Computer School. Have it registered with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and paste the certificates at strategies place in your office. Issue application forms at N500 - N1000. Your areas of training should include: professional packages like Peachtree accounting, computer fundamentals, computer programming, data processing, desktop publishing, computer engineering/maintenance, website designs, graphics/design, internet operation etc.
Get a White Board and markers for lecturing. Recruit some lecturers. You may start with five to eight computer systems.

Make receipt booklets available.
Prepare training materials in all the courses to be taught and provide chairs or benches for students.
You need a generator. Prepare general rules and regulations for students and paste it on the school notice board or attach it on the application form.

Develop information Brochure/profile/handbook. Check other computer schools around and note their training fees. Reduce yours since you are just starting and review upward later on.
If you have a computer background, like Diploma, B.Sc, PGDCS, M.SC or PhD in computer science, photocopy the certificates and paste at a conspicuous place. You need a school library, engineering workshop, computer laboratory etc. Have a business centre where your students can typeset their assignments, do their term papers, typeset their projects.

Send your students on Industrial Attachment (IT) before collecting their certificates.

Let us meet next week for other business opportunities. Keep a date!