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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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:
Tue 03/12/2024 -
Tue 04/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
23 sessions
Location:
Norton Hall Children & Family Centre (Bi
Norton Hall Women & Childrens
Ralph Road
Birmingham
B8 1NA
Tutor:
Imogen Draper
Course code:
Q00015531
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Level 1 Digital Skills

Become a tech-whizz and gain confidence with a variety of online tools. This Advanced Digital Skills training will help you feel comfortable with new technologies and in control of digital spaces. This advanced course is for anyone wanting to further develop their digital skills. You will learn skills for employment and everyday life in this digital skills course. This digital training aims to teach you advanced digital skills for everyday life. It can also help you progress to job roles that require digital skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 04/12/2024 -
Wed 05/02/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
WEA (Leicester)
101 Hinckley Road
Leicester
LE3 0TD
Tutor:
Chantal Ngounou
Course code:
Q00017246
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

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

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:
WEA Membership



The courses below have already started, but are still available to book.

Functional Skills English

Get an English qualification to help you access a variety of work and study options. Functional skills courses in English teach you to read, write, and communicate confidently in English. Functional skills English isn’t like learning English at school. This is an English course for adults created by adults. Develop practical English skills by learning language in context.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Wed 31/07/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000004
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee:
Free

Support Work in Schools

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, they support the teaching that takes place. This course is ideal if you would like to know more about working as a teaching assistant.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 27/02/2024 -
Wed 31/07/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000024
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress

Skincare for Makeup and Beginners

The course introduces the basic beauty skills you need for entry in to the beauty industry. This course covers essential skills and knowledge to progress towards a career in the beauty industry. Makeup for beginners Discover application techniques products and tools for creating flawless makeup looks on this online course. Learn the art of makeup application and discover various makeup styles that include day time and evening smoky eye looks. Health and safety in the beauty industry. This course includes essential health, hygiene and safety in the beauty workplace. Starting your own small business. This course is designed for those looking to start a small business within this exciting industry. This course oh covers developing your business idea, including your business name pricing working hours and using social media etc.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 16/04/2024 -
Tue 09/07/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000031
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
In progress

Preparation for Work

"First Steps in ESOL" is a foundational course designed to help beginners embark on their journey of learning English as a Second Language (ESOL). This course is tailored for individuals with little to no prior knowledge of English, providing a supportive and engaging environment to develop essential language skills. Participants will learn fundamental vocabulary and phrases for everyday situations, such as greetings, introductions, and simple conversations about personal information, family, and daily activities. On this course, learners will have the opportunity to discuss your progress with the tutor. Join us and take your first steps towards mastering the English language!

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 17/06/2024 -
Mon 15/07/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
CREST (South Shields)
95 Fowler Street
South Shields
NE33 1NU
Tutor:
Marina Fasa
Course code:
Q00017022
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee:
Free

Professional Development: Effective Employment Skills

Attend our Employability course and boost your skills for work. 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. Learning will take place in a relaxed environment with other like-minded learners, led by our expert tutor.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 21/06/2024 -
Fri 12/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Kings Quarter
The Forum, NEM House
37-41 Clarence Street
Gloucester
GL1 1EA
Tutor:
Andrew Vincent
Course code:
Q00014007
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £67.20