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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Intermediate Digital Skills

Get digitally fit for modern life and gain confidence in facing situations that require digital skills. Build on your basic computer skills in this Improvers course and see how digital training can help to transform your life. This intermediate Digital Skills course is for anyone wanting to improve their computer skills. Digital training teaches you skills for learning, life, and work. Improving your digital skills can help you in your everyday life. This course could also help you progress to job roles that require digital work skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 21/11/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Shaw Trust Dudley
Provision House
Dudley
Midlands
DY1 1PY
Tutor:
Shirley Bate
Course code:
Q00015693
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £67.20

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 26/09/2024 -
Thu 31/07/2025
Location:
Daubeney Children's Centre/ Primary Scho
103 Daubeney Road
Hackney
London
E5 0EG
Course code:
Q00017618
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £27.75

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Introduction to working as a teaching assistant

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, but they also support the teaching that takes place. This course is ideal if you would like to know more about working as a teaching assistant. The role varies widely with some specialising in certain areas of education such as literacy, numeracy, music, specific learning needs and other disability support, English as a second language or behaviour. Teaching assistants can be found in schools for Early Years right through to secondary schools, and the number of TAs in one school can vary widely depending on necessity and amount of funding provided. This course will give you information about working as a teaching assistant (also known as a classroom assistant, a pupil support assistant, a teacher's aide, or abbreviated as a TA) and how you can provide support to teachers by providing teaching and learning support in whatever way possible.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 07/11/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Daubeney Children's Centre/ Primary Scho
103 Daubeney Road
Hackney
London
E5 0EG
Tutor:
Allison McClean
Course code:
Q00018617
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Introduction to Supporting Teaching and learning in Schools

"Introduction to Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools" is designed for anyone interested in gaining essential knowledge and skills to work with children and young people in educational settings. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in understanding schools as organisations, safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion. Learners will also explore key aspects of health and safety and how to support positive behaviour in the learning environment. You will be able to understand the UK policies and procedures covering confidentiality, data protection and disclosure of information. Upon successful completion, you will be prepared to progress to a Level 2 Qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning with the WEA, opening opportunities for a career in education support roles.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 24/10/2024
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Riverside Community Health Project (Newc
Carnegie Building
Atkinson Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 8XS
Tutor:
Sharon Reay
Course code:
Q00018796
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list (Join waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £105.00

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

Professional Development: Introduction to teaching ESOL

This short course is aimed at anyone who is involved in teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and would like some basic tips and suggestions on how to do this. You may be a volunteer at a drop-in centre or you may have started a new role helping people from a range of backgrounds to learn English. We will look at ideas and activities for including beginners as well as those with a higher level of skill. There will be a focus on teaching asylum seekers and refugees who may not attend regularly, but are keen to improve their English skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 07/11/2024
Times:
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Charles Dickens Activity Centre
Lake Road
Portsmouth
PO1 4DY
Tutor:
Liz Joiner
Course code:
Q00019520
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.80

Pre-Entry Essential Digital Skills: An introduction to Using Computers and Digital Devices

Welcome to An Introduction to Using Computers and Digital Devices! This course is designed for beginners who want to learn the basics of using digital devices effectively. In today's world, digital devices are ubiquitous, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktop computers. Understanding how to navigate and utilize these devices is essential for both personal and professional endeavours.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
ACT Sheffield, Firvale Centre (Sheffield
Earl Marshal Road
Sheffield
S4 8LB
Tutor:
Mark Turk
Course code:
Q00019475
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Personal Development: Developing English Skills for Life & Work in the UK

Do you lack the confidence to talk to others, or complete forms, speak with your child's schools, or discuss other issues. And not sure where to get support? This course aims to increase your confidence in using English in everyday situations building confidence and motivation. Come an learn in a friendly environment and discover more about your local community. This course will also support you to make new friends and learn how to plan activities using social media and community connections.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Khidmat Centre (Birmingham)
2 Heather Road
Small Heath
Birmingham
B10 9TA
Tutor:
Vashkar Bhattacharjee
Course code:
Q00019548
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

Pre-Entry Essential Digital Skills: Beginners Digital Skills

Welcome to the Beginners Digital course for pre-entry ESOL learners! This course helps you learn basic computer and digital skills while improving your English. You will learn how to use a computer, navigate the internet, and send emails. We will also teach you how to use smartphones and tablets. The course includes activities like typing, searching for information online, and using social media safely. With simple and clear instructions, you will gain confidence in using digital tools. Join us to develop essential digital skills and enhance your English in a supportive and friendly environment!

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 27/09/2024 -
Mon 04/11/2024
Times:
9:45am - 12:15pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Clovelly Centre (Southampton)
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00017129
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £63.00

Pre Entry Digital Skills

This course will teach you how to use Microsoft Word to enhance your documents with formatting, styles, images and templates. Adjust page layout, spacing and page breaks. Find and replace words. Create a table, a list and review your document with the editor. In Microsoft Excel, you will learn how to enhance your spreadsheets by formatting data in cells, sort and filter data. Copying and linking data between worksheets. Use a range of Excel functions and formulas. Create and customise charts. Finally, in Powerpoint you will learn how to create a presentation. Enter, edit and format text on slides. Insert shapes and images - apply a design and transition it onto slides. Save and print your presentation.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 27/09/2024 -
Fri 13/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Woodlands Community Library and Hub (Don
Windmill Balk Lane
Woodlands
Doncaster
DN6 7SF
Tutor:
Mark Turk
Course code:
Q00018450
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Progress your teaching assistant career with a Level 3 teaching assistant qualification. Experience the buzz of working with young people and get a more detailed view into the profession. Learn essential teaching assistant skills and open doors to working in a school with this course. This course prepares you for teaching assistant jobs working in a variety of school settings with children and young people from the age of 5 years old. These can include roles as a playground assistant, learning assistant, teaching assistant, and other related roles. You will need to work in a suitable placement of your choice as part of this course. This Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning is a further step towards a fulfilling support career in a school setting. It is a great course if you already have a Level 2 qualification in supporting teaching and learning or in related subjects.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 27/09/2024 -
Fri 18/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 3:00pm
Duration:
38 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00017468
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Fee range
Free to £1417.00