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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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:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Breckland Council
Elizabeth House
Walpole Loke
Dereham
Norfolk
NR19 1EE
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00018565
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Level 1 Maths: Costing Sewing Projects

This 9-hour course provides a foundational understanding of essential maths skills for measuring fabric accurately in garment-making. Designed for beginners, the course covers basic arithmetic, units of measurement, and practical applications in a textile context. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, learners will gain confidence in measuring lengths, widths, and calculating fabric requirements. Perfect for aspiring tailors and hobbyists, this course ensures participants can make precise measurements, reducing material waste and enhancing the quality of their projects. Join us to develop the skills needed for successful garment creation.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
The Vine Community Centre (Nottingham)
Bobbers Mill Road
Nottingham
NG7 5GZ
Tutor:
Monazza Aziz
Course code:
Q00016419
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

Introduction to Early Years Settings

This introductory course is for anyone who wants to develop a basic knowledge of working with children up to the age of 5 in early years’ settings such as nurseries or pre-schools. You will understand the importance of communication and will gain confidence in applying skills and techniques that will engage children in their personal development. You will study activities that can stimulate children's growth and learning development in their early years. You will increase your confidence in caring for children in early years’ settings. To progress on to an accredited Early Years’ Course at the WEA, or other courses.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 08/10/2024
Location:
Woodpecker Hall Academy (London)
North Star Community Trust
Cuckoo Hall Lane
London
N9 8DR
Course code:
Q00011946
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Essential Digital Skills (Entry 3)

Digital skills are increasingly in demand in modern society. Picking up essential digital skills can help you go about your everyday life, as well as open doors to employment opportunities. This course starts at the beginning and covers everything from using a digital device to getting started on social media and making videos. This Entry-level 3 digital skills course is aimed at complete beginners- so don’t worry if this is new to you. If you want to learn digital skills for everyday life or improve your job prospects, this course is ideal for you. It's also suitable for people reentering the workforce after a long break.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Wed 13/11/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
16 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Ekta Vishrolia
Course code:
Q00018208
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

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

Employability and Skills: Setting up your business

Turn your business idea into reality with our Setting Up Your Business course. Learn essential strategies for starting and growing a successful business. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to develop their business skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 03/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Wesley Hall Community Centre (Leicester)
76 Hartington Road
Leicester
LE2 0GN
Tutor:
Jamila Mohammed Khanbhai
Course code:
Q00017247
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Professional Development: CV Workshop

Create an effective CV with our Professional Development: CV Workshop. Learn how to highlight your skills and experiences to make a strong impression on employers. Ideal for job seekers looking to enhance their employability.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 17/09/2024
Location:
Coalville Job Centre
Crown House
Whitwick Rd
Coalville
LE67 3FA
Course code:
Q00017211
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.80

Introduction to Helping in Schools

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our Introduction to Helping in Schools course. Learn the essential skills and knowledge required to support teachers and students in the classroom. Ideal for individuals considering a career in education.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
WEA (Leicester)
101 Hinckley Road
Leicester
LE3 0TD
Tutor:
Mariam Sidat
Course code:
Q00017252
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Support Work in Schools (Level 1)

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our Support Work in Schools (Level 1) course. Learn the essential skills and knowledge required to support teachers and students in the classroom. Ideal for individuals considering a career in education.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 08/10/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00018526
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

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:
Wed 18/09/2024 -
Wed 18/09/2024
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Shama Women's Centre (Leicester)
Shama Womens Centre
39 Sparkenhoe Street
Leicester
LE2 0TD
Tutor:
Tasneem Ali
Course code:
Q00017221
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.80

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:
Wed 18/09/2024 -
Wed 18/09/2024
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
WEA (Leicester)
101 Hinckley Road
Leicester
LE3 0TD
Tutor:
Chantal Ngounou
Course code:
Q00017224
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.80