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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Entry Level Digital Skills: Google - How to use Google Workspace

Discover the wonderful world of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite): This short taster course will introduce you to the basics of Google Workspace including an overview of how to create and implement it and what you can do with Google Workspace. You will learn how to use and get the most from Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Keep, Forms, Gmail, and other apps in Google’s Workspace productivity suite. Whether you have studied the content before or are completely new to it, You will find value on this programme. You do not need any special tools to attend, just yourself and some enthusiasm. Start your Google Workspace journey today by registering for this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/06/2025 -
Tue 08/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Peter Brown
Course code:
Q00017448
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Professional Development: Baking and cake decorating for enterprise

The course is designed to provide a step-by-step guide for learners in the field of cakes and bakes. It will give an insight to methods from baking new trends, decorating cakes with buttercream and fondant, to being independent to cater for personal and professional aspirations. The course takes place in a women only centre in Bradford and is suitable for beginners and improvers. Some prior experience of baking is useful.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/06/2025 -
Tue 22/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Millan Centre (Bradford)
Victor Street
Bradford
BD9 4RA
Tutor:
Tanzeela Javid
Course code:
Q00016542
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £63.00

Employability for Schools

In this course you will learn about the responsibilities and expectations required of school staff as well as understand employment options available. This will enable you to make informed choices about the work experience and longer term schools based employment options available to you. You will also learn about the behaviour and responsibilities expected of school staff. Schools benefit from a variety of different staff that support the learning and welfare of pupils. In addition to the main teacher in each classroom, there are many other jobs inside and outside of lessons that contribute to how a school runs and how pupils learn. These jobs are typically called support roles, and make up half of the workforce in schools.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/06/2025 -
Wed 18/06/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
St Pauls Learning Centre (Bristol)
94 Grosvenor Road
St Pauls
Bristol
BS2 8XJ
Tutor:
Andrew Read
Course code:
Q00011605
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

Professional Development: SWAP Introduction to Hospitality

Prepare for a career in hospitality with our SWAP Introduction to Hospitality course. Learn essential skills and knowledge required to work in the hospitality sector. Ideal for individuals seeking to enter the hospitality industry or enhance their hospitality skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/06/2025 -
Fri 20/06/2025
Location:
Charles Burrell Centre
Staniforth Road
Thetford
IP24 3EA
Course code:
Q00018987
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

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!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Entry Level Digital Skills: Google - How to use Google Workspace

Discover the wonderful world of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite): This short taster course will introduce you to the basics of Google Workspace including an overview of how to create and implement it and what you can do with Google Workspace. You will learn how to use and get the most from Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Keep, Forms, Gmail, and other apps in Google’s Workspace productivity suite. Whether you have studied the content before or are completely new to it, You will find value on this programme. You do not need any special tools to attend, just yourself and some enthusiasm. Start your Google Workspace journey today by registering for this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/06/2025 -
Mon 14/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Grace Adejuwon
Course code:
Q00017454
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Award in Mental Health Awareness Level 1

If you’re interested in learning more about mental health issues, this level 1 course can teach you the foundational concepts. You’ll get a view into the nature of mental health work and the issues that face people struggling with it. Level 1 health and social care courses about mental health can teach you the basic principles of mental health care. If you enjoy this course you can continue your learning in this area. Mental health awareness training can help you understand if this area of work interests you.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/06/2025 -
Wed 25/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Veronica Hyde
Course code:
Q00016015
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Award in Stress Awareness Level 1

Stress affects most people in the country at some point in life. Understanding the harmful effects of stress is essential to maintaining good mental health and well-being. This stress awareness course can help you recognise and deal with stress when it happens. This mental health awareness training helps you understand what you and others may be experiencing. It is also useful if you work in a support role such as mentor, counsellor, or carer. It will teach you important skills for care jobs if you want to work in adult social care.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 30/06/2025 -
Wed 02/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Veronica Hyde
Course code:
Q00016029
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Professional development: Interview skills

This course will give you the knowledge and understanding you need to prepare for an interview, either for a job or potential course. You will also consider how to present and conduct yourself during an interview. The course will also support you to know what questions you could ask during an interview and give you some practice of asking and answering questions. In addition, it will help you recognise do’s and don’ts for an interview situation so that you may present yourself in the best way possible and maximise your chances of success! This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 30/06/2025 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Imogen Draper
Course code:
Q00017328
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £55.50

Entry Level Essential Digital Skills

Build a solid foundation in digital literacy with our Entry Level Essential Digital Skills course. Learn the basics of using a computer, navigating the internet, and understanding essential software applications. Ideal for absolute beginners looking to build confidence in their digital abilities.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 01/07/2025 -
Tue 08/07/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
WEA (Leicester)
101 Hinckley Road
Leicester
LE3 0TD
Tutor:
Mariam Sidat
Course code:
Q00017243
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.80

Community Interpreting: Understanding the Role of a Community Interpreter

Are you bilingual? Ever thought about using your language skills to help in the community? Did you know you can get many jobs with languages? If you speak English and another language fluently, you could make a great community interpreter. This community interpreter workshop gives you an introduction to the language and interpreting skills needed for this type of work. It can give you a brief idea of foundational concepts to test your community interpreting skills informally with family or friends. It can also help you decide if you’re interested in pursuing community interpreting jobs. Come along to this workshop and find out if community interpreting is for you.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 16/07/2025 -
Wed 16/07/2025
Times:
9:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
CREST (South Shields)
95 Fowler Street
South Shields
NE33 1NU
Tutor:
Maryam Knowles
Course code:
Q00019402
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free



The courses below have already started, but are still available to book.

Counselling

This course focuses on an understanding of counselling and developing practical skills. The importance of counselling for the wellbeing of individuals and society is being increasingly recognised. You will be introduced to the nature of counselling and learn and practice active listening skills such as reflecting, paraphrasing, summarising, and giving feedback. The course is aimed at anyone who may be considering either a career in counselling, or wanting to develop valuable helping and listening skills, as well as anyone interested in developing self-awareness.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 01/08/2024 -
Thu 31/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000026
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress

Support Work in Schools

If you are thinking about a career in teaching, this introductory course is for you. Teaching assistants are an integral part of the classroom. Not only do they provide vital support for pupils, they support the teaching that takes place. This course is ideal if you would like to know more about working as a teaching assistant.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 01/08/2024 -
Thu 31/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000024
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress

Functional Skills English

Get an English qualification to help you access a variety of work and study options. Functional skills courses in English teach you to read, write, and communicate confidently in English. Functional skills English isn’t like learning English at school. This is an English course for adults created by adults. Develop practical English skills by learning language in context.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 01/08/2024 -
Thu 31/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000004
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills Maths

Gain a GCSE-equivalent qualification with this functional skills maths course. Learn maths skills to open doors to work and study opportunities. Functional maths courses also support you in everyday situations. Learn maths as an adult and enjoy the experience. Functional maths helps you develop practical maths skills in context. Understand how numeracy skills can assist you in a job or your personal life. This functional skills maths course teaches you essential maths skills through practical examples. It’s ideal for you if you would like to gain a GCSE-equivalent maths qualification.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 01/08/2024 -
Thu 31/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000006
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee:
Free

Award in Preparation for Work in Community Interpreting Level 2

The role of the community interpreter is an integral part of our changing 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Thu 06/02/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Mariann Meszaros
Course code:
Q00016101
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £300.00

Get Ready for Functional Skills Maths Entry 3

Set yourself up for success at entry 3 functional skills in maths. This get ready course helps you prepare to tackle entry 3 maths with confidence. The essential maths skills you’ll learn will help you get your qualification and serve you in everyday life. Get ready courses help you learn maths at your own pace. The idea of this course is to give you extra study time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need for entry 3 maths. This is a preparatory maths course for people who are looking to progress to entry 3 functional skills courses. It is a non-accredited adult maths course.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Tue 28/01/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
31 sessions
Location:
Malcolm X Community Centre (BRISTOL)
141 City Road
St Pauls
BRISTOL
BS2 8YH
Tutor:
Taona Makunde
Course code:
Q00019400
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

Gain a nationally recognised qualification in support work with this Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges. Ideal for individuals looking to start or progress their career in educational support roles.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Tue 22/04/2025
Times:
9:45am - 2:45pm
Duration:
20 sessions
Location:
St Georges Community Centre, Wakefield (
Broadway
Lupset
WAKEFIELD
WF2 8AA
Tutor:
Katherine Croft
Course code:
Q00010170
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £225.00