Supporting when looking for work 

Personal development can mean a lot of different things. Our courses can help you develop the skills and confidence you need to make the most of your potential. Our adult education classes can also help you grow in your current job and help you reach your goals. 

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Looking for work? Start here

If you are looking for work and want to get started, we have short courses to help you find work. We run free course * on CV writing, job hunting and interviews. We’re here to help you reach your potential. From starting to explore your options to learning how to successfully apply for jobs. Our personal development courses help you take positive steps towards your dream job.

Stand out from the crowd

To stand out in the crowd and improve your employability, our tutors offer friendly support to meet your needs. You can talk to your tutor about your goals and identify the steps you need to take to get into the job you want.  Whether an online course or in person, our tutors are here to ensure you succeed. 

Already in work?

If you’re already in work and want to gain new skills and confidence or improve your wellbeing at work, our courses can help. Our adult education skills courses help you clarify your goals and find a clear path to reaching your potential.

*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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Personal Development: Working in the UK (MPJS)

The "Working in the UK" course is aimed at ESOL 1 learners. This course helps you understand how to get a job in the UK. You will learn about job searching, writing a CV, and doing job interviews. The course also teaches you about workers' rights, like fair pay and safe working conditions. You will learn about UK workplace culture and how to talk to your boss and coworkers. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident about finding and keeping a job in the UK. This course is great for beginners in the UK job market.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 17/03/2025 -
Mon 30/06/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Mount Pleasant School (Southampton)
Mount Pleasant Road
Newtown
Southampton
SO14 0WZ
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00017822
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Professional Development: Preparing to work in the UK advanced

Are you looking for work in the UK or thinking of starting work in the UK? If you have never worked in the UK or worked abroad but have limited experience of working in the UK, this course is for you. The course is designed to support to improve your spoken and written English when thinking about your work skills and the type of work you are interest in. You will take part in mock interviews and help each other to practice your English through informal activities and discussion to prepare you for the world of work and improve your confidence. Improve your digital skills and look at your transferrable skills and how they match job descriptions. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 24/03/2025 -
Mon 21/04/2025
Times:
12:45pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Ladywood Childrens Centre
9 Plough & Harrow Road
Birmingham
B16 8UR
Tutor:
Saima Gulzar
Course code:
Q00015569
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Personal Development: Working in the UK (Bevois)

The "Working in the UK" course is aimed at ESOL 1 learners. This course helps you understand how to get a job in the UK. You will learn about job searching, writing a CV, and doing job interviews. The course also teaches you about workers' rights, like fair pay and safe working conditions. You will learn about UK workplace culture and how to talk to your boss and coworkers. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident about finding and keeping a job in the UK. This course is great for beginners in the UK job market.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 28/03/2025 -
Fri 27/06/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Bevois Town Primary School (Southampton)
Cedar Road
Southampton
SO14 6RU
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00017823
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Professional Development: Planning for your future

Take control of your career path with our Professional Development: Planning for Your Future course. Learn how to set career goals, create a development plan, and navigate your professional journey. Ideal for individuals looking to advance their careers or transition into new roles.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/04/2025 -
Fri 16/05/2025
Times:
9:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Fozia Aslam
Course code:
Q00017331
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.80

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Personal Development: Working in the UK (E2/E3)

The 'Working in the UK' course is aimed at Esol E2/E3 learners. It helps you understand UK job basics. You will learn about finding jobs, writing a CV, and preparing for interviews. This course covers workers rights, such as pay and working hours and UK workplace culture. You will also learn how to communicate well with employers and colleagues. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident about finding and keeping a job in the UK. This course is ideal for people who are new to the UK.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Wed 14/05/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 2:15pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Clovelly Centre (Southampton)
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00017820
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Personal Development: Working in the UK (Level 1)

The "Working in the UK" course is aimed at ESOL E2/3 learners. It helps you understand UK job basics. You will learn about finding jobs, writing a CV, and preparing for interviews. The course covers workers' rights, such as pay and working hours, and UK workplace culture. You will also learn how to communicate well with employers and colleagues. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident about finding and keeping a job in the UK. This course is ideal for people who are new to the UK job market and need to improve their English skills. This course is free for anyone living in Southampton.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Wed 14/05/2025
Times:
9:45am - 11:45am
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Clovelly Centre (Southampton)
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00017821
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Step into Work

"Step Into Work" is a comprehensive program designed to equip you with the essential skills needed for job hunting. This course covers writing effective cover letters, creating standout CVs, and mastering interview techniques. Through practical workshops and expert guidance, you'll learn how to present yourself confidently to potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job you desire. This course will help you examine your current skills and qualities and how they transfer to job related tasks. You’ll need access to the internet to take this ‘Step into Work’ program as our tutors use the WEA’s digital learning portal, Canvas, to send you important information and tasks.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 23/04/2025 -
Wed 18/06/2025
Location:
Clare House (SCUNTHORPE)
31 Wells Street
SCUNTHORPE
DN15 6HL
Course code:
C00000006
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Personal Development: Advanced Language at Work

This Advanced level course will build on skills gained in the Pre Entry and Intermediate courses that you may have studied previously, or you may be assessed by the tutor as ready for this course straight away. It has been developed in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council which refers learners to this and to other courses hosed at the Old School based in Blakenhall, Wolverhampton. This course is particularly suited to students who are unemployed and have been referred by a Job Centre to improve your spoken and written English and thereby develop the skills to empower you to get that job.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 29/04/2025 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
The Old School Building (Wolverhampton)
The Old School
73 Dudley Road
Wolverhampton
WV2 3BY
Tutor:
Saima Gulzar
Course code:
Q00015677
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

Personal Development: Beginners Language at Work

This course is put on in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council and the DWP. It is suitable with learners who wish to improve their English to get ready to apply for a job, who are unemployed and looking for work and who also have English as a second language. Learners with English as a second language, who are looking for work and receiving benefits and aged 19 plus are eligible. If you are in receipt of work related benefits, speak to your work coach at the Job Centre and mention JCP Wolverhampton Hub. Subject to eligibility, travel expenses can be paid. For further information call 07881 358679. There is an information and registration day planned and your advisor will let you know. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 30/04/2025 -
Wed 23/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
The Old School Building (Wolverhampton)
The Old School
73 Dudley Road
Wolverhampton
WV2 3BY
Tutor:
Saima Gulzar
Course code:
Q00015675
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

Personal Development: Intermediate Language at Work

The course has been developed in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council which refers learners to this and other programmes hosted at the Old School, which is a community centre run by Blakenhall Action Community Forum. This course is particularly suitable for students who are unemployed and are looking for work, who may have been referred by Job Centres to improve their spoken and written English and thereby pick up the skills and confidence to get themselves closer to the job market.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 30/04/2025 -
Wed 16/07/2025
Times:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
The Old School Building (Wolverhampton)
The Old School
73 Dudley Road
Wolverhampton
WV2 3BY
Tutor:
Saima Gulzar
Course code:
Q00015676
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80