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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Professional development: Step into apprenticeships

This course will help you to understand the opportunities available to you through apprenticeships. Ever wondered how apprenticeships work and who they are for? Thought you were too old to start an apprenticeship? This course will develop your knowledge and awareness of the variety of apprenticeships available to you. Discover how to learn while competing on the job training in a specific role and how an apprenticeship can benefit your personal development. This course may lead to further training, higher education and employment. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 07/10/2024 -
Mon 18/11/2024
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Sophie Fowkes
Course code:
Q00015544
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £51.80

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 07/10/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
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:
Q00015657
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £210.00

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 07/10/2024 -
Wed 09/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Veronica Hyde
Course code:
Q00016024
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

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 07/10/2024 -
Fri 13/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
40 sessions
Location:
WEA York Court (Bristol)
7 York Court
Wilder Street
Bristol
BS2 8QH
Tutor:
Matthew Burrows
Course code:
Q00009603
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

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

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 07/10/2024 -
Mon 17/03/2025
Location:
Todmorden Learning Centre (Todmorden)
Burnley Road
Todmorden
OL14 7BX
Course code:
Q00018425
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Personal Development: Getting ready for employment - Future Goals

Getting Ready for Employment: Future Goals is organised in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council and the Blakenhall Action Community Forum at the Old School, Dudley Road, Wolverhampton WV2 3BY. It is specifically created in partnership with care leavers and their care assistants, who are welcome to attend to support their client. This a short course which will help learners to acquire techniques to cope more effectively with anxiety and lack of self confidence and will help them to set future goals for further learning, volunteering or getting into employment. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority https://www.wmca.org.uk/

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 10/10/2024 -
Thu 14/11/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
The Old School Building (Wolverhampton)
The Old School
73 Dudley Road
Wolverhampton
WV2 3BY
Tutor:
Jayne Evans
Course code:
Q00015656
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Introduction to Helping in Schools - Level 1

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, but they also support the teaching that takes place. This course is ideal if you would like to know more about working as a teaching assistant. The role varies widely with some specialising in certain areas of education such as literacy, numeracy, music, specific learning needs and other disability support, English as a second language or behaviour. Teaching assistants can be found in schools for Early Years right through to secondary schools, and the number of TAs in one school can vary widely depending on necessity and amount of funding provided. This course will give you information about working as a teaching assistant (also known as a classroom assistant, a pupil support assistant, a teacher's aide, or abbreviated as a TA) and how you can provide support to teachers by providing teaching and learning support in whatever way possible.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 11/10/2024 -
Fri 29/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Ann Tayler Children's Centre (Hackney)
1-13 Triangle Road
Off Westgate Street
Hackney
E8 3RP
Tutor:
Tracey Shackle
Course code:
Q00011648
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

Professional Development: Employability Skills

Are you looking to upskill for employment? Then attend this course and boost your employability skills. 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 14/10/2024 -
Thu 17/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Seetec Pluss Bournemouth
G.01 & Meeting room 1a
Oxford Point
19 Oxford Road
Bournemouth
BH8 8GS
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017094
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £67.20

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:
Tue 15/10/2024 -
Thu 13/03/2025
Times:
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
36 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Rebecca Liaucius
Course code:
Q00017174
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Pre-Entry Essential Digital Skills: Get to know your device

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 17/10/2024 -
Thu 14/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Digital Skill Hub (Computer Room)
30-32 Royal Arcade
Christchurch Road
Boscombe
Bournemouth
BH1 4BT
Tutor:
Lucy Pender
Course code:
Q00017125
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £63.00