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*.    

Skip to courses

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.

Please enter your postcode

In order for us to give you accurate results for your courses, please click on the Search options and enter your postcode and the mile radius for your search.

Refine search

How you'll learn

Your location

Please enter your postcode or town for your search in the boxes below.

We have defaulted the search to ten miles, but you can change this number in the box as you wish.

Sort by start date

Choose to sort the course start date in ascending order (furthest away dates first) or descending (most recent dates first)

Results per page

Days

Other Filters

Part of day
Level of study
Availability
Search for the branch name/location, without adding branch e.g. Barnet

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

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. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 22/11/2024 -
Fri 04/04/2025
Times:
9:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
16 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Fozia Aslam
Course code:
Q00015520
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

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:
Mon 25/11/2024 -
Tue 04/03/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Location:
Norton Hall Children & Family Centre (Bi
Norton Hall Women & Childrens
Ralph Road
Birmingham
B8 1NA
Tutor:
Imogen Draper
Course code:
Q00017339
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Award in Stress Awareness Level 1

Stress affects most people in the country at some point in life. Understanding the harmful effects of stress is essential to maintaining good mental health and well-being. This stress awareness course can help you recognise and deal with stress when it happens. This mental health awareness training helps you understand what you and others may be experiencing. It is also useful if you work in a support role such as mentor, counsellor, or carer. It will teach you important skills for care jobs if you want to work in adult social care.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 25/11/2024 -
Wed 27/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Veronica Hyde
Course code:
Q00016025
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

If you enjoy the buzz of learning environments, this qualification can teach you key skills for employment in a school or college. This government-funded course prepares you for a variety of roles. It provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in admin, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with kids in teaching positions. It also provides you with the qualifications needed to work in admin at schools. No matter what role you’re interested in, this course can teach you skills for employability in schools and colleges.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 27/11/2024 -
Wed 25/06/2025
Times:
9:30am - 3:00pm
Duration:
28 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00017469
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

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:
WEA Membership

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Entry Level Essential Digital Skills: Beginners

Beginner’s Digital Skills course for adults. Learn basic computer skills and get digitally fit for modern life. Learning for life and work. Learn to use digital devices and gain essential computer skills for professional and personal use. Digital training helps you move with the times and not get left behind. This beginner’s course is for anyone who wants to learn digital skills, no matter your current knowledge. This course is appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is all new to you. Learn to use word processing software and fill out online forms in this Digital Skills course. Understand how to use email and search for information online. This digital skills training also teaches you how to shop online securely. You’ll understand online safety and data storage. Digital courses online offer you learning for life and work. You’ll learn digital skills to help you in your everyday life. This course could also help you progress to job roles that require digital work skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 03/12/2024 -
Tue 04/02/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Shaw Trust Dudley
Provision House
Dudley
Midlands
DY1 1PY
Tutor:
Shirley Bate
Course code:
Q00015695
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £67.20

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

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

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

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

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

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



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

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

Pre-Entry Essential Digital Skills: Beginners Digital Skills

Learn to use digital devices and gain essential computer skills for professional and personal use. Digital training helps you move with the times and not get left behind. This beginner’s course is for anyone who wants to learn digital skills, no matter your current knowledge. This course is appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is all new to you. Learn to use word processing software and fill out online forms in this Digital Skills course. Understand how to use email and search for information online. This digital skills training also teaches you how to shop online securely. You’ll understand online safety and data storage. This course will be held at Southampton Seetecplus, 14-18 College St, Southampton SO14 3EJ.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 24/06/2024 -
Thu 27/06/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Seetec Pluss
14-18 College Street
Southampton
SO14 3EJ
Tutor:
Dulcie Allan
Course code:
Q00015380
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Community Interpreting Information and Study Skills

This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority On this course you will gain an overview of the role of a Community Interpreter and develop your literacy and digital skills in preparation for your next step which is a level 1 Understanding the Role of a Community Interpreter course. You will gain an insight into the role of a community interpreter and what to expect on our level 1 and level 2 courses. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority https://www.wmca.org.uk/

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 27/06/2024 -
Thu 11/07/2024
Times:
9:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Fozia Aslam
Course code:
Q00014926
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £37.80