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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Safeguarding Adults

Vulnerable people are at higher risk of neglect and abuse. Training in safeguarding teaches you how to spot signs that someone may be at harm. It also helps you know what steps to take in case of reported or suspected abuse. This short safeguarding course gives you a view into safeguarding practices and the importance of protecting adults’ rights to live in safety.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 02/12/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00018569
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £29.60

Introduction to Teaching and Training

This practical course aims to provide students with an introduction to issues connected with learning, teaching, training and assessment of adults in a supportive environment. Participants are asked to prepare a short presentation as well as using self and peer evaluation.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 03/12/2024 -
Sat 05/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00017639
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

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:
Tue 03/12/2024 -
Tue 20/05/2025
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

Level 1 English: English for Maths

Improve your English skills for maths with our Level 1 English: English for Maths course. Develop the language needed to understand and apply mathematical concepts. Ideal for non-native speakers looking to enhance their maths and English proficiency.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 03/12/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Heena Ajmal
Course code:
Q00017470
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £27.75

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

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:
Thu 05/12/2024 -
Fri 14/02/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
22 sessions
Location:
St Johns Centre (Manchester)
St Johns Road
Old Trafford
Manchester
M16 7GX
Tutor:
Linda Bennett
Course code:
Q00016109
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Using Canvas to Learn

Studying online is a fun and effective way to learn. This course will teach you to use Canvas so that you can get the most out of WEA courses. You’ll learn digital skills to support you to study WEA online courses. This Canvas course is ideal for you if you’re considering taking a WEA course but feel unsure of your digital skills. It’s appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 09/12/2024 -
Mon 09/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Gateshead Muslim Centre (Gateshead)
2, Westbourne Avenue
Gateshead
NE8 4NP
Tutor:
Maryam Knowles
Course code:
Q00018466
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

Heath and Social Care: Introduction to Autism and Neurodiversity for Support Staff

Gain essential knowledge for supporting individuals with autism and neurodiversity with our Introduction to Autism and Neurodiversity for Support Staff course. Learn about common neurodiverse conditions and effective support strategies. Ideal for support staff in educational and care settings.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/12/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Location:
Camborne Community Centre (Camborne)
South Terrace
Camborne
TR14 8SU
Course code:
Q00018077
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£25.20

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Preparing for the Support Role in Schools L2 Qualification

Have you completed an introductory or a Level 1 helping in schools’ course? Then this introductory course is right for you. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge and study skills needed to prepare you for a Level 2 course. It will also provide you with the opportunity to practice using study skills such as quizzes, case studies and related texts. You will get the chance to discuss new topics with other learners and, ask and answer questions. You will also be given a brief outline of what you will learn on your course. Your tutor will give you constructive feedback to ensure you are ready for your next stage of learning.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/12/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 1:15pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00017421
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £27.75

Using Canvas to Learn

Studying online is a fun and effective way to learn. This course will teach you to use Canvas so that you can get the most out of WEA courses. You’ll learn digital skills to support you to study WEA online courses. This Canvas course is ideal for you if you’re considering taking a WEA course but feel unsure of your digital skills. It’s appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/12/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St Matthews Neighbourhood Cntr (Library)
10 Malabar Road
Leicester
LE1 2PD
Tutor:
Chantal Ngounou
Course code:
Q00017222
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

Safeguarding Support in Schools

Ensure the safety and well-being of students with our Safeguarding Support in Schools course. Learn key principles and practices for safeguarding children in educational settings. Ideal for school staff and volunteers committed to child protection.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 18/12/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 2:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Emmanuel Church Aylsham (Aylsham)
Cawston Road
Aylsham
NR11 6BX
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018603
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.00