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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Personal Development: Working in the UK (Bevois)

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:
Fri 28/03/2025 -
Fri 27/06/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Bevois Town Primary School (Southampton)
Cedar Road
Southampton
SO14 6RU
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00017823
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Professional Development: Planning for your future

Take control of your career path with our Professional Development: Planning for Your Future course. Learn how to set career goals, create a development plan, and navigate your professional journey. Ideal for individuals looking to advance their careers or transition into new roles.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/04/2025 -
Fri 16/05/2025
Times:
9:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Fozia Aslam
Course code:
Q00017331
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.80

Start your own small business

Learn the essentials of starting a small business with our Start Your Own Small Business course. Understand the basics of business planning, finance, and marketing. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their business ideas into reality.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/04/2025 -
Thu 10/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00019009
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

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:
Thu 10/04/2025 -
Thu 29/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00018962
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

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

Certificate in Counselling Skills Level 2

Dive deeper into counselling and sharpen your set of skills for social work. Learn techniques to help those in need of support. Counselling courses teach you fundamental skills employers look for. Understand how to help others in a safe and positive way. The Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills introduces you to using counselling skills in everyday life: for work or within a personal capacity. Develop key skills employers look for in this level 2 counselling course. Team working and communication are key skills for CVs in support work.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 14/04/2025 -
Tue 08/07/2025
Location:
Holyoake House (Manchester)
Holyoake House
Hanover Street
Manchester
M60 0AS
Course code:
Q00016067
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £362.00

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 21/04/2025 -
Fri 25/04/2025
Location:
The Priory 1101 (Great Yarmouth)
The Priory Centre
Priory Plain
Great Yarmouth
NR30 1NW
Course code:
Q00018986
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

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

Discover the wonderful world of Google Docs: This short taster course will introduce you to the basics of Google Docs including an overview of how to create and implement it, what you can do with Google Docs and how to use it across applications. We will be using data provided on a Google account to use Google Docs. 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 Docs journey today by registering for this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 20/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Peter Brown
Course code:
Q00017446
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Personal Development: Introduction to basic first aid

This 4-week Basic First Aid course equips you with the skills and knowledge to act decisively in an emergency. Each week focuses on a specific theme, progressively building your understanding. Learn how to handle common situations like applying bandages and slings, treating burns and scalds, performing CPR, and most importantly, knowing when to call an ambulance. By the end of the course, you'll not only gain valuable first-aid skills, but also create a personalised flowchart outlining the steps to take in case of an accident at KCU.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 20/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
KCU Ltd at Fuller Church (Kettering)
51 Gold Street
Kettering
NN16 8JB
Tutor:
Caroline Smy
Course code:
Q00016752
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

Personal Development: Working in the UK (E2/E3)

The 'Working in the UK' course is aimed at Esol E2/E3 learners. It helps you understand UK job basics. You will learn about finding jobs, writing a CV, and preparing for interviews. This 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Wed 14/05/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 2:15pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Clovelly Centre (Southampton)
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00017820
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

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 22/04/2025 -
Wed 14/05/2025
Times:
9:45am - 11:45am
Duration:
12 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 £92.40