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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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:
Thu 27/02/2025 -
Thu 03/07/2025
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:
Q00015534
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00

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:
Fri 28/02/2025 -
Fri 25/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
22 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018974
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Personal Development: Introduction to Counselling

Explore the fundamentals of counselling with our Introduction to Counselling course. Learn essential skills and techniques used in the counselling profession. Ideal for individuals considering a career in counselling or looking to enhance their interpersonal skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 28/02/2025 -
Fri 14/03/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00019018
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Professional Development: Employability Skills

Are you looking to upskill for employment? Then attend this course and boost your employability skills. 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 03/03/2025 -
Thu 06/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Seetec Pluss Bournemouth
G.01 & Meeting room 1a
Oxford Point
19 Oxford Road
Bournemouth
BH8 8GS
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017095
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £67.20

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: Setting Goals and Targets

Would you like to be more productive? Setting goals and organising your surroundings can help you avoid getting sidetracked and boost your personal productivity. Sometimes it’s hard to get things done when there are many distractions in your space. Decluttering and organising your home can help you avoid procrastination. (Decluttering can also be a good way to earn some extra money!) This goal-setting course will introduce you to the concept of SMART targets. This stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. This method helps you set goals that you can realistically achieve. You’ll learn organisation skills to help you declutter your space and maintain focus.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 03/03/2025 -
Mon 07/04/2025
Times:
10:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017089
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.60

Pre-Entry English: Get ready for English functional skills entry level 3

Prepare for your English Functional Skills exams with our Pre-Entry English: Get Ready for English Functional Skills Entry Level 3 course. Develop the essential English skills needed to succeed. Ideal for individuals looking to build a strong foundation in English.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 05/03/2025 -
Thu 01/05/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
14 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Reed
Course code:
Q00016748
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £103.60

First steps into employment

Take your first steps towards employment with our comprehensive course. Develop essential skills and knowledge needed for job applications, interviews, and workplace success. Ideal for individuals seeking to enter the job market.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 07/03/2025 -
Fri 21/03/2025
Location:
Norwich Central Baptist Church (Norwich)
Duke Street
Norwich
NR3 3AP
Course code:
Q00018984
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

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 10/03/2025 -
Tue 08/07/2025
Location:
Landport Community Centre (Portsmouth)
Charles Street
Portsmouth
PO1 1JD
Course code:
Q00016170
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Personal Development: Working in the UK (MPJS)

The "Working in the UK" course is aimed at ESOL 1 learners. This course helps you understand how to get a job in the UK. You will learn about job searching, writing a CV, and doing job interviews. The course also teaches you about workers' rights, like fair pay and safe working conditions. You will learn about UK workplace culture and how to talk to your boss and coworkers. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident about finding and keeping a job in the UK. This course is great for beginners in the UK job market.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 10/03/2025 -
Mon 23/06/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Mount Pleasant School (Southampton)
Mount Pleasant Road
Newtown
Southampton
SO14 0WZ
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00017822
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Professional Development: SWAP Introduction to retail

Prepare for a career in retail with our SWAP Introduction to Retail course. Learn essential skills and knowledge required to work in the retail sector. Ideal for individuals seeking to enter the retail industry or enhance their retail skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 10/03/2025 -
Fri 14/03/2025
Location:
Ipswich County Library
Northgate Street
Ipswich
IP1 3DE
Course code:
Q00018993
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00