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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Essential Digital Skills Level 1

Build your confidence using digital skills in your personal life and in the workplace. Understand how digital programmes and services can enhance your everyday life and simplify common tasks. Learn skills employers look for and improve your job prospects. If you’d like to learn digital skills for a better life, this course will teach you everything you need to know. This Level 1 digital skills course is suitable for improvers, as you will build upon your current digital device knowledge. Learn how to use the Microsoft Office programmes: create and edit text documents in Word, create spreadsheets and use number calculations in Excel, and use PowerPoint to create presentations. These are universal digital skills employers look for and can help you in a variety of job roles.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 01/10/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Breckland Council
Elizabeth House
Walpole Loke
Dereham
Norfolk
NR19 1EE
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00018565
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Employability and Skills: Setting up your own Mehndi business

Turn your business idea into reality with our Setting Up Your Business course. Learn essential strategies for starting and growing a successful business. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to develop their business skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 01/10/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Wesley Hall Community Centre (Leicester)
76 Hartington Road
Leicester
LE2 0GN
Tutor:
Jamila Mohammed Khanbhai
Course code:
Q00017247
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Entry Level Essential Digital Skills

Build a solid foundation in digital literacy with our Entry Level Essential Digital Skills course. Learn the basics of using a computer, navigating the internet, and understanding essential software applications. Ideal for absolute beginners looking to build confidence in their digital abilities.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 01/10/2024 -
Tue 15/10/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
WEA (Leicester)
101 Hinckley Road
Leicester
LE3 0TD
Tutor:
Mariam Sidat
Course code:
Q00017243
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Certificate in Counselling Skills Level 2

Dive deeper into counselling and sharpen your set of skills for social work. Learn techniques to help those in need of support. Counselling courses teach you fundamental skills employers look for. Understand how to help others in a safe and positive way. The Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills introduces you to using counselling skills in everyday life: for work or within a personal capacity. Develop key skills employers look for in this level 2 counselling course. Team working and communication are key skills for CVs in support work.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 01/10/2024 -
Tue 03/12/2024
Location:
Holyoake House (Manchester)
Holyoake House
Hanover Street
Manchester
M60 0AS
Course code:
Q00016065
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £362.00

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

Personal Development: Introduction to basic first aid

This 4-week Basic First Aid course equips you with the skills and knowledge to act decisively in an emergency. Each week focuses on a specific theme, progressively building your understanding. Learn how to handle common situations like applying bandages and slings, treating burns and scalds, performing CPR, and most importantly, knowing when to call an ambulance. By the end of the course, you'll not only gain valuable first-aid skills, but also create a personalized flowchart outlining the steps to take in case of an accident at KCU.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/10/2024 -
Wed 23/10/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
KCU Ltd at Fuller Church (Kettering)
51 Gold Street
Kettering
NN16 8JB
Tutor:
Caroline Smy
Course code:
Q00016553
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

Entry Level Essential Digital Skills

Build a solid foundation in digital literacy with our Entry Level Essential Digital Skills course. Learn the basics of using a computer, navigating the internet, and understanding essential software applications. Ideal for absolute beginners looking to build confidence in their digital abilities.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/10/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
WEA (Leicester)
101 Hinckley Road
Leicester
LE3 0TD
Tutor:
Chantal Ngounou
Course code:
Q00017245
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

Essential Digital Skills (Entry 3)

Digital skills are increasingly in demand in modern society. Picking up essential digital skills can help you go about your everyday life, as well as open doors to employment opportunities. This course starts at the beginning and covers everything from using a digital device to getting started on social media and making videos. This Entry-level 3 digital skills course is aimed at complete beginners- so don’t worry if this is new to you. If you want to learn digital skills for everyday life or improve your job prospects, this course is ideal for you. It's also suitable for people reentering the workforce after a long break. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 03/10/2024 -
Thu 06/02/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
16 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Ekta Vishrolia
Course code:
Q00015519
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Employability & Skills: 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 03/10/2024 -
Thu 24/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
St James city Farm Cafe
23 Albany Street
Gloucester
GL1 4NG
Tutor:
Andrew Vincent
Course code:
Q00017160
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

Pre Entry Digital Skills: Introduction to Computers & Digital Devices

Welcome to Introduction to Computers & 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 03/10/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Andalus Community Centre
35-37 Exchange Street
Sheffield
S2 5TR
Tutor:
Benjamin Warner
Course code:
Q00017838
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Award in Digital Promotion for Business (OG) Level 2

Get to the core of how to build or promote a business with this digital marketing course. Digital promotion activities such as online and social media marketing can help you support your company’s growth or build your own business. Get first-hand knowledge of key business activities that promote growth. Gain a clear understanding of digital marketing practices with this digital skills course. It’s ideal for flexible learning as you can choose topics that interest you from a variety of units. Pick up crucial skills for employment that can help you in any sector and build skills for your CV.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 03/10/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Indrel Doney
Course code:
Q00017632
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00