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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Employability & Skills: Effective Employment Skills

Develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace with our Employability & Skills: Effective Employment Skills course. Learn how to communicate effectively, manage time, and work as part of a team. Ideal for individuals looking to enhance their employability.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 02/05/2025 -
Fri 23/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
St James city Farm Cafe
23 Albany Street
Gloucester
GL1 4NG
Tutor:
Andrew Vincent
Course code:
Q00017806
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 07/05/2025 -
Wed 23/07/2025
Times:
9:45am - 12:15pm
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 £115.50

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 07/05/2025 -
Wed 23/07/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
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

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 08/05/2025 -
Thu 24/07/2025
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:
Q00015677
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

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:
Mon 12/05/2025 -
Thu 22/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
C00000007
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Personal Development: Mind at Work

This course is put on in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council and Job Centre Plus. Are you unemployed and looking for work but experiencing mental health issues? These might include, but not be limited to, stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks or post traumatic stress. This free support programme will help you to cope better with these challenges and discover techniques and strategies to use in every day life. There is an information and registration day on Monday, 15 April 10am-12pm. Please bring photo ID. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 12/05/2025 -
Tue 22/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
20 sessions
Location:
The Old School Building (Wolverhampton)
The Old School
73 Dudley Road
Wolverhampton
WV2 3BY
Tutor:
Jayne Evans
Course code:
Q00015678
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £210.00

Personal Development: Introduction to Gel Nails & Nail Art

Welcome to "Introduction to Gel Nails & Nail Art," a comprehensive beginner-level course designed to equip you with the fundamental skills and knowledge to master the art of gel nails and creative nail designs. Whether you aspire to become a professional nail technician or want to explore nail art as a hobby, this course offers a step-by-step guide to the essential techniques, tools, and trends in the industry.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 15/05/2025 -
Thu 10/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Cortonwood Comeback Centre (Barnsley)
Old Chapel
Chapel Avenue, Brampton
Barnsley
S73 0XQ
Tutor:
Karen Hunter
Course code:
Q00018280
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 03/06/2025 -
Tue 24/06/2025
Times:
9:45am - 11:45am
Duration:
10 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 £84.00

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 05/06/2025 -
Thu 10/07/2025
Location:
Hull Central Library
Albion Street
Hull
Yorkshire and Humber
HU1 3TF
Course code:
C00000009
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Professional Development: CV writing

On this course, you will learn about the key elements of a CV and follow this structure to build your own. You will be guided through a step-by-step process allowing you to build your CV as the course progresses. You will learn about the type of personal information you should include, how to construct your previous education and work experience, as well as how to write an effective personal statement. You will use your existing English to communicate with others on the course but you will continue to develop your wider English skills and learn new vocabulary connected to CV writing. /You will need to be working at ESOL Level 1 to join this course. If you are a new WEA learner we will ask you to do a short initial assessment to check your ESOL Level. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 09/06/2025 -
Tue 24/06/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Imogen Draper
Course code:
Q00017326
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £55.50