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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Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Information and study skills for level 2

This course is essential for learners who are learning via online and using the Canvas as a virtual learning environment. The course will cover essential skills such as how to log onto the canvas, how to to upload assignments on the canvas, send emails using the canvas inbox and use zoom. This training equips you with essential skills on how to learn effectively using the canvas and zoom applications. By the end of the course, you'll be both confident and proficient in using the features on both the canvas and zoom to successfully complete your learning online. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 11/02/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Kailash Parekh
Course code:
Q00015649
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £147.00

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:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 01/04/2025
Times:
9:00am - 5:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Hull CVS
The Strand
75 Beverley Road
Hull
HU3 1XL
Tutor:
Catherine Wilcock
Course code:
Q00018162
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

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:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 01/04/2025
Location:
Hull CVS
The Strand
75 Beverley Road
Hull
HU3 1XL
Course code:
Q00018163
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Award in Preparing to Work in Schools Level 1

Get a view into the enriching world of teaching and learning. If you’d like to work in a school, with kids or in an admin role, this course is the perfect first step. Whether you plan to get a teaching qualification or just want a taster into the school environment, this course can teach you essential skills employers look for in school staff. In this course you’ll learn foundational concepts for working in a learning environment. It can help you decide whether a job at a school is right for you

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Thu 06/03/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
18 sessions
Location:
St Andrews St Baptist Ch (Cambridge)
43 St. Andrews Street
Cambridge
CB2 3AR
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00015751
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

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

Award in Mentoring Level 1

Mentoring is a great way for you to help other people reach their potential. This can be a very rewarding experience both personally and professionally. Mentoring courses teach you essential leadership and communication skills for social work. This mentoring course gives you an insight into the world of mentorship. It can help you decide if you want to start working in mentorship or other support roles. Some examples include care work, youth work, or youth sports coaching. Understand the role of a mentor. Study best practices for effective mentorship. Gain awareness of the importance of the “mentoring agreement”.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Thu 27/03/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
22 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Barbara Ricci
Course code:
Q00018588
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care Level 2

Gain deeper understanding of social care provision for adults with this level 2 adult social care course. If you want to learn skills for care jobs and believe in person-centred approaches to social care, this is the right course for you. Explore job roles and services within the adult social care sector, the role of communication in social care, and the importance of valuing the individuals being cared for. This course teaches you essential skills employers look for and specific skills for social work.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 24/06/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00018960
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £362.00

Step into Work

"Step Into Work" is a comprehensive program designed to equip you with the essential skills needed for job hunting. This course covers writing effective cover letters, creating standout CVs, and mastering interview techniques. Through practical workshops and expert guidance, you'll learn how to present yourself confidently to potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job you desire. This course will help you examine your current skills and qualities and how they transfer to job related tasks. You’ll need access to the internet to take this ‘Step into Work’ program as our tutors use the WEA’s digital learning portal, Canvas, to send you important information and tasks.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 02/04/2025
Location:
Clare House (SCUNTHORPE)
31 Wells Street
SCUNTHORPE
DN15 6HL
Course code:
C00000005
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

L2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Programme

This helping in schools programme is designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills to successfully complete your level 2 award in support work in schools and colleges. It consists of two parts, the main qualification which will be taught in the morning, followed by a short study skills session to support your learning. This qualification will teach you key skills for employment in a school or college. This course prepares you for a variety of roles. It provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in administration, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with children in teaching positions. The confidence training will prepare you to feel comfortable stepping back into the classroom. This part of the course will help you bridge the gaps in your confidence and overcome the obstacles standing in your way to get back into learning.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 14/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000111
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Using Canvas to Learn

Studying online is a fun and effective way to learn. This course will teach you to use Canvas so that you can get the most out of WEA courses. You’ll learn digital skills to support you to study WEA online courses. This Canvas course is ideal for you if you’re considering taking a WEA course but feel unsure of your digital skills. It’s appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Thu 09/01/2025
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kailash Parekh
Course code:
Q00016993
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £14.80

Working as a Teaching Assistant - Pathways Taster

If you are thinking about a career in teaching, this taster 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 becoming a teaching assistant. The role varies widely with some specialising in certain areas such as specific learning needs and other disability support.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 08/01/2025
Times:
9:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00010520
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10