TAFE Queensland brings AI to the toolbox for busy tradies
From quoting jobs and chasing invoices to answering customer enquiries after hours, small business owners are wearing more hats than ever, and for tradies, that often means less time on the tools and more time behind a desk, or late nights at the kitchen table doing paperwork.
According to leading accounting software service, Xero, Australian small business owners spend more than 10 hours a week on administrative work, adding up to approximately 546 hours of unpaid work each year.
To help Gold Coast tradespeople reclaim valuable hours, TAFE Queensland is launching a new AI for Business Owners (NONAC08182) short course, equipping tradies with practical, industry-relevant skills to use artificial intelligence to streamline repetitive tasks and reduce time spent on administration.
General Manager of TAFE Queensland’s Gold Coast region, Robert Petherbridge, said the short course has been designed to meet the needs of service-based businesses and deliver skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
“For many tradespeople, the pressure of running a business doesn’t stop when the workday ends. After a full day on site, there are still invoices to send, follow-up emails to write and jobs to schedule,” said Mr Petherbridge.
“We know this often means missed time with family, late nights and work spilling into the weekend. This course has been designed to help address that, giving business owners the knowledge of where AI fits, how to choose the right platforms, and how to use AI in ways that genuinely improve efficiency and productivity.”
Delivered face-to-face at TAFE Queensland’s Robina campus, the four-hour session focuses on delivering practical skills that can be applied straight away.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming an essential business capability, regardless of industry or business size. By helping sole operators understand the technology, evaluate the right tools for their needs and implement AI with confidence, we're supporting more productive, innovative and competitive businesses across our region.”
For those looking to deepen their expertise, the short course also provides a pathway to further study with the Diploma of Artificial Intelligence (AI) (11287NAT).
“TAFE Queensland is committed to delivering practical, high‑quality training. This short course helps business owners evaluate different AI models, identify opportunities to streamline administration, automate quoting and prepare for emerging technologies like agentic AI. It also covers cyber security and risk, so business owners can adopt AI with confidence and understand the responsibilities that come with it."