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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Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace L2

If your role involves looking after the wellbeing of others at work, this mental health awareness training is ideal for you. Help create a healthy company culture by advocating for mental health issues in your workplace. Increase awareness among colleagues and those in your care. Build your skills in supporting others with mental health difficulties. This mental health first aid course is useful for a wide range of roles where you may be in contact with individuals struggling with mental health.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Wed 21/05/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
48 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00019473
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £362.00

Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Level 2)

When you’re studying maths at school, it’s sometimes hard to see how you’ll use the skills in real life. All it takes is for someone to explain that ratios help you compare the prices of different products, percentages are used to split bills, and multiplication and division help you set a monthly budget. When you learn in context, it’s easy to see how functional maths is. This Functional Skills Maths Level 2 course is designed using real-life examples to help you improve your maths skills. If you find it easier to learn maths with practical examples, this is the course for you. 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:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Tue 25/03/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Duration:
38 sessions
Location:
Trinity Church
Church Road, Meole Brace
Shrewsbury
SY3 9HF
Tutor:
Tabitha Allsop
Course code:
Q00019647
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Level 2)

There are many reasons to study this English functional skills course but you might be surprised to know that they’re not academic. Whether you want to feel more confident at public speaking or would like to study an apprenticeship or traineeship, this Level 2 English Functional Skills course can help you achieve your goals in a fun and practical way. Functional skills courses teach you English skills for learning, life, and work- not just to pass an exam. Enjoy the learning process as you watch your vocabulary grow, your spelling improve, and your confidence soar. If you’re fed up with academic courses and want to learn English in a practical and gratifying way, you won’t regret taking this English functional skills level 2 course. 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:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Tue 25/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
38 sessions
Location:
Trinity Church (Shrewsbury)
Church Road, Meole Brace
Shrewsbury
SY3 9HF
Tutor:
Tabitha Allsop
Course code:
Q00019650
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Personal Development: Getting Ready for Functional Skills English

Build up your basic maths skills to help you progress towards work and study opportunities. Adult maths teaches you practical skills for everyday life. This entry level functional skills maths course offers a practical way to learn maths as an adult. Understand maths through real-life situations. Functional skills maths entry courses expand your understanding of basic calculations. This can help you learn to manage your personal budget and do other daily tasks. This entry 2 functional maths course is right for you if you want to build on your basic maths skills to work or study. It can help you show employers that you have the essential skills they 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:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
14 sessions
Location:
New Hope Global (Birmingham)
Birchfield Library (2nd floor)
3 Trinity Road
Birmingham
B6 6AH
Tutor:
Saima Gulzar
Course code:
Q00019736
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £117.60

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

Pre- Entry Maths: Measuring

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:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 09/12/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Hill View Community Centre (Nottingham)
Ransom Road
Nottingham
NG3 3LJ
Tutor:
Monazza Aziz
Course code:
Q00016408
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Paediatric First Aid

Do you help out at a school or youth centre? If you volunteer in a setting with children, it’s important to have an understanding of basic paediatric first aid. This paediatric first aid course gives you an introduction to the essential life-saving skills that can make all the difference in an emergency situation. This course is ideal for you if you work informally with children, toddlers, or babies. It is useful in a variety of settings, including sports halls, community hubs, and youth centres. It is also perfect for new parents who want to understand basic first aid to look after their children.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Tue 19/11/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
WEA (Leicester)
101 Hinckley Road
Leicester
LE3 0TD
Tutor:
Mariam Sidat
Course code:
Q00017254
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Entry Level Digital Skills: For ESOL learners

Gain access to the essentials of modern life through vital digital skills in this beginner-ESOL learner friendly course. Tailored for ESOL learners lacking confidence in using laptop computers, this program equips beginners with fundamental skills. Learn to access services, apply for jobs, save work, and ensure online safety. The course targets ESOL learners who have limited laptop experience and seek greater proficiency. Dive into the digital era, building confidence and competence in utilizing technology to navigate various aspects of contemporary living. Join this this course to unlock the potential of digital tools and enhance your ability to engage with today's interconnected world.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Battersea Library (London)
Battersea Library
265 Lavender Hill
London
SW11 1JB
Tutor:
Daniella Anderson
Course code:
Q00017629
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

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 05/11/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Rebecca Eliahoo Charles
Course code:
Q00017628
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Pre-Entry Digital Skills: Beginners Part 2

You will learn core skills that boost your confidence, such as emailing files, creating letters, and designing posters. Building on the skills gained in Part 1, this course focuses primarily on Microsoft Word. You will master document formatting, efficient file management, and creative design techniques. By the end of the course, you will be proficient in using Word to produce professional documents, effectively communicate via email, and create visually appealing posters, ensuring you are well-prepared for various digital tasks. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority. Participants must live in Coventry Area Postcodes CV1 to CV6 inclusive.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Foleshill Women's Training (Coventry)
70-72 Elmsdale Avenue
Foleshill
Coventry
CV6 6ES
Tutor:
Humera Mehrban
Course code:
Q00015613
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

Pre-Entry Essential Digital Skills: Beginners' Digital Skills

Unlock the power of technology and gain the confidence to navigate the digital world with our "Essential Digital Skills for Beginners" course at Somerford Ark in Christchurch, Dorset. This 6-week program is designed for individuals with little to no experience in using digital devices and the internet. Whether you're a senior, a professional looking to enhance your skills, or simply a curious learner, this course provides a friendly and supportive environment to help you get started. This course promises to be a transformative experience, bridging the gap between you and the digital age. Sign up today and embrace the benefits of being digitally savvy!

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Somerford Arc
580 Deansleigh Rd
Bournemouth
BH7 7DT
Tutor:
Karen Johnson
Course code:
Q00017126
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.60