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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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:
Mon 02/12/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Community Action Norfolk (Dereham)
Ambassador Way
Ambassador Way
Dereham
NR20 3TL
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00018623
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

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 - 3:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00018569
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £29.60

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:
Mon 02/12/2024 -
Tue 14/01/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Sahara In Preston (Preston)
48 Fishwick Parade
Preston
PR1 4XQ
Tutor:
Kailash Parekh
Course code:
Q00016195
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00

Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Entry 3)

Take your maths skills to the next level to help you with work or study opportunities. Adult maths teaches you practical numeracy skills for everyday life. This entry 3 functional skills maths course offers a practical way to learn maths as an adult. Functional skills maths courses aren’t like studying maths at school. You’ll learn maths in context. Develop maths skills to face real-life situations such as organising your personal budget or applying discounts when shopping. This entry 3 functional maths course is right for you if you want to enhance your maths skills to work or study. It can help you learn essential maths skills employers look for. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 04/12/2024 -
Wed 07/05/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
18 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Humera Mehrban
Course code:
Q00018945
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 3)

Continue developing your English skills to open doors to work and study opportunities. This entry 3 functional skills course helps you learn English skills employers look for. Gain practical skills to improve your reading, writing, and verbal communication in English. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills entry 3 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 04/12/2024 -
Fri 07/03/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
22 sessions
Location:
Norton Hall Children & Family Centre (Bi
Norton Hall Women & Childrens
Ralph Road
Birmingham
B8 1NA
Tutor:
Imogen Draper
Course code:
Q00019936
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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

Get Ready for Community Interpreting - Understanding the Role of a Community Interpreter

Community Interpreters work within public services (e.g. NHS, schools, doctors’ surgeries, etc.) to help people who may be vulnerable in their community, and do not speak English. Without interpreters, many people would miss out on the help they are entitled to. Community Interpreters play a vital role in their local communities face-to-face and can also work over the telephone or online.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 06/12/2024 -
Fri 21/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Mariann Meszaros
Course code:
Q00018324
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

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:
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

Understanding the role of the community interpreter level 1

Are you bilingual? Ever thought about using your language skills to help out in the community? Did you know you can get many jobs with languages? If you speak English and another language fluently, you could make a great community interpreter. This community interpreter course gives you an introduction to the language and interpreting skills needed for this type of work. It can teach you foundational concepts to test your community interpreting skills informally with family or friends. This course can prepare you to help members of your family or community to overcome language barriers in their everyday lives. It can also help you decide if you’re interested in pursuing community interpreting jobs. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 13/12/2024 -
Fri 14/02/2025
Times:
9:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Mandish Sahota
Course code:
Q00017333
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80