The Changing Role of Industry Bodies

Over recent decades, many industry organisations have faced an identity crisis. Advances in technology and shifts in social behaviour have reshaped how people connect, learn, and share information. Networking and professional development can now happen online, instantly and globally - reducing the perceived need for traditional membership.

The internet, social media, and video conferencing have replaced many of the old functions of industry bodies. Yet, these same changes have also created new opportunities.

While information is more accessible than ever, genuine professional connection and trusted learning pathways remain highly valued. Forward-thinking organisations are now re-examining how they can stay relevant - not just to survive, but to provide unique, high-value experiences that digital platforms alone can’t deliver.

Reinvention Through Education

One powerful way for industry bodies to reinvent themselves is by enhancing their professional development offerings. This is where ACS Distance Education can help.

ACS provides flexible, high-quality online learning that can be integrated directly into an organisation’s member services. Through our partnerships, industry bodies can offer recognised training programs while creating meaningful engagement and potential new revenue streams.

Here are some models of how that partnership can work:

Course Promotion Partnership

Organisations promote selected ACS courses on their websites.

✅When a member enrols, ACS processes the registration and provides the course access.
The organisation receives a 25% discount on course fees.

✅It’s up to the organisation whether to pass that discount to members or retain it to support its own activities.

✅This model works well for our 10- and 20-hour short courses listed at studyacs.com

Member Discount Model

Some partners prefer to offer their members a 10% discount on ACS courses.

✅ACS creates a simple landing page linked to the organisation’s website.

✅Members enrol directly through this page, making it easy to track engagement and add value to membership.

Education Provider Partnership

In this model, the organisation becomes a licensed education provider.

✅You promote and sell ACS courses directly under your brand.

✅Courses can be co-branded or fully branded for your organisation.

✅Our LMS delivers 10- and 20-hour courses automatically, with certificates of completion issued upon successful assessment.

Longer courses

For more in-depth 100-hour courses (see acs.edu.au), this model offers a substantial income opportunity. Some affiliates generate over a million dollars annually through this approach.

Typical revenue shares:

- 15% fee to ACS for 100-hour courses

- 25% fee to ACS for 10- and 20-hour courses

Practical Opportunities for Industry Bodies

These models can be adapted to suit different levels of involvement:

🔘Simple listing model (like the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects): low effort, steady returns.

🔘Licensed provider model: higher engagement, higher reward.

🔘Expanded education offering: a long-term strategy for organisations wanting to grow a robust training arm.

For example, garden industry bodies could leverage two key audiences:

➡️Member staff – who need ongoing training and professional development.

➡️Member customers – the gardening public, who are keen to learn.

Years ago, ACS trialled a program with Melbourne garden centres, offering a “Home Garden Expert” course. Each centre promoted the course and received commissions for enrolments - generating consistent results even from a small network. With today’s technology, that same concept could reach thousands.

Moving Forward

Relevance in the modern landscape depends on adaptability. Industry bodies that embrace new ways to educate, connect, and support members will thrive. By partnering with ACS, organisations can deliver accessible, high-quality training that strengthens both their members and their future.

To explore how your organisation can collaborate with ACS, contact our Affiliations Manager Kate to discuss the best model for your needs. kate@acs.edu.au