If you are looking for work, need to get a better job, or want to improve your work skills, the WEA is here for you. We have a great track record of helping people like you gain the skills and confidence they need for work. Best of all, most of our work skills courses are free*.    

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You can improve your job opportunities with the WEA.  

Reach your potential  

We know you can reach your potential in three simple steps:  

  • Build your confidence and essential skills  
  • Develop skills related to specific types of jobs  
  • Progress in your current job by boosting your current skills and learning new ones  

Supportive classes

The WEA and our team of supportive tutors are here for you at every step.  Whether you’re a jobseeker, have recently been made redundant or you simply want to move up the ladder, we have a course for you.   

Improve your English, maths or digital skills to earn more money.  Find courses in health and social care, community interpreting, schools and childcare and more.   

Find out more about job hunting, take courses to become more employable or change your career. Boost your employability skills and stand out on that job application.    

Learn your way with the WEA

Take a short, informal course or gain a national qualification. Learning in a classroom, in a work setting or at home, you’ll always have the same great support from your tutor.  

There’s something for everyone.

*Over 90% of applicants for skills courses do not need to pay a fee. Subject to status  - courses are free for unemployed people, job seekers and people on low wage. If you do not qualify you will be alerted during the application process.

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Functional Skills Qualification in English (Level 1)

There are many reasons to study this English functional skills course but you might be surprised to know that they’re not academic. Whether you want to feel more confident at public speaking or would like to study an apprenticeship or traineeship, this Level 2 English Functional Skills course can help you achieve your goals in a fun and practical way. Functional skills courses teach you English skills for learning, life, and work- not just to pass an exam. Enjoy the learning process as you watch your vocabulary grow, your spelling improve, and your confidence soar. If you’re fed up with academic courses and want to learn English in a practical and gratifying way, you won’t regret taking this English functional skills level 2 course. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course. This course is funded by the Education Skills and Funding Agency.
Dates:
Mon 31/03/2025 -
Fri 09/05/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Location:
Nesscliff Training Camp
National Cycle Rte 81
Wilcott Camp
Nesscliffe
Kinton
West Midlands
SY4 1AZ
Tutor:
Siham Jones
Course code:
Q00021344
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Level 1)

When you’re studying maths at school, it’s sometimes hard to see how you’ll use the skills in real life. All it takes is for someone to explain that ratios help you compare the prices of different products, percentages are used to split bills, and multiplication and division help you set a monthly budget. When you learn in context, it’s easy to see how functional maths is. This Functional Skills Maths Level 2 course is designed using real-life examples to help you improve your maths skills. If you find it easier to learn maths with practical examples, this is the course for you. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course. This course is funded by the Education Skills and Funding Agency.
Dates:
Mon 31/03/2025 -
Thu 08/05/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
23 sessions
Location:
Nesscliff Training Camp
National Cycle Rte 81
Wilcott Camp
Nesscliffe
Kinton
West Midlands
SY4 1AZ
Tutor:
Siham Jones
Course code:
Q00021325
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Start your own small business

Learn the essentials of starting a small business with our Start Your Own Small Business course. Understand the basics of business planning, finance, and marketing. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their business ideas into reality.
Dates:
Wed 02/04/2025 -
Thu 10/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00019009
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list (Waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Essential Digital Skills Entry 3

Build your confidence using digital skills in your personal life and in the workplace. Understand how digital programmes and services can enhance your everyday life and simplify common tasks. Learn skills employers look for and improve your job prospects. If you’d like to learn digital skills for a better life, this course will teach you everything you need to know. This Entry 3 digital skills course is suitable for improvers, as you will build upon your current digital device knowledge. Learn how to use the Microsoft Office programmes: create and edit text documents in Word, create spreadsheets and use number calculations in Excel, and use PowerPoint to create presentations. These are universal digital skills employers look for and can help you in a variety of job roles.
Dates:
Wed 02/04/2025 -
Wed 07/05/2025
Times:
9:00am - 5:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Nesscliff Training Camp
National Cycle Rte 81
Wilcott Camp
Nesscliffe
Kinton
West Midlands
SY4 1AZ
Tutor:
Tabitha Allsop
Course code:
Q00021461
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Award in Preparation for Work in Community Interpreting Level 2

communities and increasingly important. The interpreter acts as a bridge between communities and enables people to access the services they need and approach situations which otherwise would not be possible. The Level 2 Certificate in Preparing for the Community Interpreting Role enables learners who are speakers of other languages to develop the language and skills necessary to go on and train as Community Interpreters at Level 3 and Level 4. This is the ideal qualification for anyone who wants to enter the interpreting profession and become a paid interpreter or volunteer in the UK.
Dates:
Thu 03/04/2025 -
Tue 24/06/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
18 sessions
Location:
WEA York Court (Bristol)
7 York Court
Wilder Street
Bristol
BS2 8QH
Tutor:
Sasha Novikova
Course code:
Q00009268
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00

Personal Development & Confidence through Self Expression

This empowering course focuses on building confidence, self-awareness, and personal growth through creative and verbal self-expression. Learners will explore different ways to express themselves authentically, whether through speech, writing, art, or movement. By developing communication skills, embracing individuality, and practicing self-reflection, individuals will gain the confidence to navigate personal and professional situations with greater self-assurance.
Dates:
Fri 04/04/2025 -
Fri 04/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Washington Community Resource Centre (Wa
Ayton Road
Oxclose Village
Washington
NE38 0DA
Tutor:
Margaret Mordue
Course code:
Q00021274
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Diploma in Counselling Level 3

Talking therapies help people overcome anxiety, trauma, bereavement, and many other problems they may be facing in life. If you’re keen to learn how to support people through challenging times, this counselling training is right for you. The Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills gives you a solid understanding of theory and practical skills. Learn counselling skills you can apply in everyday life, be it for work or within a personal capacity. Counselling courses teach you fundamental skills employers look for. You’ll understand how to help others in a safe and constructive way. This course is right for you if you work in a role which requires counselling skills, or if you’re working towards accredited Counsellor Status.
Dates:
Sat 05/04/2025 -
Sun 07/09/2025
Times:
9:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
68 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Tracey Cohen
Course code:
Q00021897
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £1134.00

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 2)

Continue developing English skills to help you in work and everyday life situations. This functional skills English entry 2 course teaches you skills for reading, writing, and communicating in English. Learn how to improve your writing skills and build on the basic reading skills from entry 1. Adult English courses teach you practical communication skills to help you get a job or study. Develop your English skills through real-life situations. This course teaches you tools and resources to improve your use of English in new and familiar situations. These skills can help you succeed in your studies, professional situations, and social interactions. This is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.
Dates:
Tue 08/04/2025 -
Tue 08/07/2025
Times:
1:30pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
21 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alice Lynden
Course code:
Q00021613
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £203.50

Professional Development: DWP CV Workshop

This interactive workshop is designed for DWP customers whose first language is not English, helping them create a clear, professional CV tailored to UK job applications. Participants will learn how to highlight their skills, experience, and qualifications effectively while using simple and professional language. The session will include practical exercises, templates, and one-on-one support to build confidence in job applications. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a well-structured CV and a better understanding of how to present themselves to employers, increasing their chances of securing interviews and employment opportunities.
Dates:
Wed 09/04/2025 -
Wed 09/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
DWP Wellington Street Job Centre
Crown Buildings
60 Wellington Street
Leicester
LE1 6DS
Tutor:
Ayman Ali
Course code:
Q00021246
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.50

Professional Development: DWP CV Workshop

This interactive workshop is designed for DWP customers whose first language is not English, helping them create a clear, professional CV tailored to UK job applications. Participants will learn how to highlight their skills, experience, and qualifications effectively while using simple and professional language. The session will include practical exercises, templates, and one-on-one support to build confidence in job applications. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a well-structured CV and a better understanding of how to present themselves to employers, increasing their chances of securing interviews and employment opportunities.
Dates:
Wed 09/04/2025 -
Wed 09/04/2025
Times:
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
DWP Wellington Street Job Centre
Crown Buildings
60 Wellington Street
Leicester
LE1 6DS
Tutor:
Ayman Ali
Course code:
Q00021247
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £6.30