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: 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 23/01/2025 -
Thu 10/04/2025
Times:
9:45am - 12:15pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
The Old School Building (Wolverhampton)
The Old School
73 Dudley Road
Wolverhampton
WV2 3BY
Tutor:
Saima Gulzar
Course code:
Q00015663
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

Introduction to Working as a Teaching Assistant

1. Discover employment routes into different areas within the education sector and explore the skills you will need to progress. 2. Explore the national curriculum of England and the different skills that are learned through play 3. Research strategies for teaching literacy and numeracy 4. Examine children's social, emotional and behavioural development in education 5. Find out about disabilities and working in special needs education

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 27/01/2025 -
Mon 10/02/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Rebecca Liaucius
Course code:
Q00020089
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £55.50

Professional Development: Preparing to work in the UK intermediate

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 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. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 17/02/2025 -
Mon 17/03/2025
Times:
12:45pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Ladywood Childrens Centre
9 Plough & Harrow Road
Birmingham
B16 8UR
Tutor:
Saima Gulzar
Course code:
Q00015564
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Employability & Skills

Attend our Employability course and boost your skills for work. If you’re entering the workforce for the first time or after a long break, this course can teach you essential skills employers look for and prepare you for the transition. Learn basic skills for jobs in any sector as well as key soft skills for your CV. Feel confident stepping into the workforce. This course will provide you with the soft skills required to get that job and give you the confidence and self esteem to sell what you have to offer to potential employers. Learning will take place in a relaxed environment with other like-minded learners, led by our expert tutor.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 21/02/2025 -
Fri 14/03/2025
Times:
10:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Samantha Singh
Course code:
Q00016719
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Personal Development: Continuing to Progress in BSL

This course is intended to help existing learners that have previously attended BSL classes to progress further in their conversation building skills. The course will concentrate on the need for clarification and interrupting conversations to ask further questions to aid understanding. Learners will also increase vocabulary in the following three areas: Emotions, Employment and Homelife. This course will be taught face to face at St Mary’s Community Centre, Pontefract and will be facilitated through the use of Canvas a Digital Learning Platform. Learners will take part in various learning activities such as discussions, paired and group work and tutor led demonstrations

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 25/02/2025 -
Tue 06/05/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
St Marys Community Centre (PONTEFRACT)
The Circle
Chequerfield
PONTEFRACT
WF8 2AY
Tutor:
Caroline Cleghorn
Course code:
Q00019981
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 27/02/2025 -
Thu 03/04/2025
Location:
Hull Central Library
Albion Street
Hull
Yorkshire and Humber
HU1 3TF
Course code:
C00000008
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Personal Development: Future Goals

This course has been developed in Partnership with Wolverhampton City Council and the DWP. It is aimed at learners who are leaving the care system and might have some additional needs or a disability, with a Supported Care Plan. If you are aged 19 plus and feel this course is for you, talk to your job coach about enrolling. The course will help you to develop your confidence and team working skills and enable you to set some goals for the future, such as the kind of job or career you might like to do. If you need more information, get in touch with Karen on 07881 358679.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 05/03/2025 -
Wed 02/04/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
TLC College
1 Dunstall Road
Wolverhampton
WV6 0LZ
Tutor:
Jayne Evans
Course code:
Q00015668
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Personal Development: Next Steps Developing Confidence to Sign

This is a fun and interactive course, ideal to follow on from the Beginners BSL. The intention of this course is to develop skills in BSL for community engagement, further learning and possibly employment in a school/work setting. The course will run for 14 guided learning hours and will be taught face to face at St Marys Community Centre in Pontefract. Learners will be fully supported in achieving the learning outcomes for the course and the intention is that the course will help them to further develop their confidence in order for them to engage in signed conversations with their peers.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 06/03/2025 -
Thu 22/05/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
St Marys Community Centre (PONTEFRACT)
The Circle
Chequerfield
PONTEFRACT
WF8 2AY
Tutor:
Caroline Cleghorn
Course code:
Q00019980
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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.

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.

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