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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Supporting Autistic Children & Teens

Having a child or loved one receive an autism diagnosis can be worrying and unsettling. It’s difficult to know how best to support autistic children’s needs without external guidance. This autism course can teach you how to offer support to help autistic young people live healthy and fulfilling lives. This taster course is ideal for you if you have regular contact with autistic children or teenagers. It is aimed at parents, family members, community workers, or volunteers who interact closely with autistic kids. It can be useful both if you are going through diagnosis, and also if you feel you need extra resources to help support a developing autistic child.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 13/11/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00017617
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

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:
Wed 13/11/2024 -
Thu 13/02/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Location:
The Media Centre Huddersfield
Creative Media Centres Ltd
7 Northumberland St
Huddersfield
HD1 1RL
Tutor:
Dorota Rezulska
Course code:
Q00018423
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00

Heath and Social Care: Introduction to SEND for support workers

Gain essential knowledge for supporting students with special educational needs with our Introduction to SEND for Support Workers course. Learn about common SEND conditions and effective support strategies. Ideal for individuals working in or aspiring to work in educational support roles.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 14/11/2024 -
Thu 14/11/2024
Location:
Camborne Community Centre (Camborne)
South Terrace
Camborne
TR14 8SU
Course code:
Q00018079
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£25.20

Pre-Entry English: Get ready for English functional skills entry level 2

This introductory course is designed for learners aiming to build foundational English skills at Entry Level 2. You'll develop key abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, tailored to everyday contexts. Through practical exercises and interactive lessons, you’ll learn to understand simple texts, write basic sentences and short paragraphs, and communicate effectively in familiar situations. Ideal for those looking to improve their basic English for personal use, further education, or employment, this course provides the essential tools to advance your proficiency and prepare for Functional Skills English assessments. Start your journey to better English today!

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 14/11/2024 -
Fri 20/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Reed
Course code:
Q00016632
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

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!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Entry Level Essential Digital Skills: Get to know your device: Intermediate

In today's fast-paced digital world, the ability to use a mobile device is more than just a convenience—it's a necessity. The Digital Skills Hub is excited to introduce a comprehensive 5-week course designed specifically for individuals who feel left behind in the digital age. Our "Get to Know Your Device" course aims to empower participants with the essential skills needed to confidently navigate and utilize their mobile devices. Join us at the Digital Skills Hub and embark on a journey towards mobile mastery. Empower yourself with the skills and confidence to navigate the digital world with ease and embrace the benefits of being connected in today's digital age. Don't let technology pass you by—take control of your digital destiny with our Mobile Mastery course! Aimed for people with a basic level of digital skill.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 14/11/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Digital Skill Hub (Computer Room)
30-32 Royal Arcade
Christchurch Road
Boscombe
Bournemouth
BH1 4BT
Tutor:
Karen Johnson
Course code:
Q00017132
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £63.00

Pre Entry Digital Skills

Learn to use digital devices and gain essential computer skills for professional and personal use. Digital training helps you move with the times and not get left behind. This beginner’s course is for anyone who wants to learn digital skills, no matter your current knowledge. This course is appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is all new to you. Learn to use word processing software and fill out online forms in this Digital Skills course. Understand how to use email and search for information online. This digital skills training also teaches you how to shop online securely. You’ll understand online safety and data storage

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 14/11/2024 -
Fri 13/12/2024
Times:
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Edmund House
12-22 Newhall road
Birmingham
B3 3PJ
Tutor:
Ekta Vishrolia
Course code:
Q00019706
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

GMCA Care Certificate and Interview Success (Step into Care)

This online pre-employment programme is designed to prepare and support you for a career in Adult Social Care. Following the new adult social care pathway, you’ll gain knowledge about the expected behaviours in the role, the rights of the people you will care for (and your own), and the key skills needed to support individuals. You’ll learn about Dementia, Mental Health, Autism, and Learning Disabilities. Together, we’ll complete the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training and learn how to reduce distress through person-centred practice and Positive Behaviour Support. Over the five weeks, you’ll also work on improving your job application and interview skills, and you’ll be supported to provide a current CV to employers. After completing the course with WEA, our employee engagement officer will arrange a working interview in a social care setting, giving you the chance to experience the working environment firsthand. Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10.00am - 3.00pm for 5 weeks. There are 25 sessions in total finishing on 20th Dec.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 18/11/2024 -
Fri 20/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
39 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Veronica Hyde
Course code:
Q00015990
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Get Ready for Functional Skills English Level 1

Are you starting your journey with Functional Skills English at WEA Bristol? Then this course could be right for you. This course is for learners preparing to enrol on an accredited Functional Skills Writing Level 1 course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 18/11/2024 -
Thu 16/01/2025
Times:
12:00pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
18 sessions
Location:
WEA York Court (Bristol)
7 York Court
Wilder Street
Bristol
BS2 8QH
Tutor:
Thu-Hang Nguyen
Course code:
Q00009289
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

If you enjoy the buzz of learning environments, this qualification can teach you key skills for employment in a school or college. This government-funded course prepares you for a variety of roles. It provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in admin, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with kids in teaching positions. It also provides you with the qualifications needed to work in admin at schools. No matter what role you’re interested in, this course can teach you skills for employability in schools and colleges.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 18/11/2024 -
Mon 21/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
22 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018636
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Essential Digital Skills Level 1

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 Level 1 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 18/11/2024 -
Fri 20/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Karl Telfer-Banner
Course code:
Q00016111
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00