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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Entry Level Essential Digital Skills: Get to know your Device - Intermediate

In today's fast-paced digital world, the ability to use a mobile device is more than just a convenience—it's a necessity. The Digital Skills Hub is excited to introduce a comprehensive 5-week course designed specifically for individuals who feel left behind in the digital age. Our "Get to Know Your Device" course aims to empower participants with the essential skills needed to confidently navigate and utilize their mobile devices. Join us at the Digital Skills Hub and embark on a journey towards mobile mastery. Empower yourself with the skills and confidence to navigate the digital world with ease and embrace the benefits of being connected in today's digital age. Don't let technology pass you by—take control of your digital destiny with our Mobile Mastery course! Aimed for people with a basic level of digital skill.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/07/2024 -
Thu 08/08/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Digital Skill Hub (Computer Room)
30-32 Royal Arcade
Christchurch Road
Boscombe
Bournemouth
BH1 4BT
Tutor:
Lucy Pender
Course code:
Q00015313
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £63.00

Entry Level Essential Digital Skills: Study Skills

This course is structured to cover key aspects of study skills tailored to prepare learners for the Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Essential Digital Skills Qualifications. Topics will include: using Canvas (the WEA’s virtual learning platform), organising course files, online safety, digital note-taking, researching on the internet, online communication (email and messaging) and using different digital devices. You will learn through a wide variety of methods including interactive lectures, practical exercises, group work and discussions. You will also gain an understanding of what to expect from the Essential Digital Skills qualifications. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority https://www.wmca.org.uk/

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/07/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Ekta Vishrolia
Course code:
Q00016149
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Introduction to SEND

This short course will introduce you to what is meant by special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The course will provide an initial understanding of the spectrum of autistic disorders and how they can affect people in a variety of ways, as well as exploring the importance of a person-centred approach to provide support. It’s important to be aware of the range of special needs you can encounter when dealing with others. Special needs education courses can help you understand what to expect and how to support all learning needs.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 12/07/2024 -
Fri 12/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Camborne Centenary Chapel (Camborne)
Wesley Street
Camborne
TR14 8HS
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00014572
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Professional Development: How to have Difficult Conversations.

Part of the Free to All Taster Courses. Do you avoid certain conversations because they might be difficult to have? What might be the effect of this behaviour on you and others at work or at home? All of us tend to stick to certain patterns in communicating and some of these might be ineffective in some circumstances. Find out what your natural style is and investigate whether other styles might be more effective with the conversations you would like to have. Learn to use a simple framework to make sure your view come across and investigate how to avoid some of the common pitfalls in communication. Join this course to practice effective strategies to manage conflict and have more productive conversations.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 12/07/2024 -
Fri 12/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00016565
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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

Beginners Social Media Marketing for Enterprise: Vinted

Discover the wonderful world of Beginners Social Media for Enterprise: Vinted with this course. Whether you have studied the content before or are completely new to it, you will find value on this programme. This social media marketing course is aimed at beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you! We will explore Social Media for Enterprise: Vinted on this course. You will understand how this shopping platform works and learn to set up your profile. Understand how to define your target audience and create content that they want to see. Learn how to schedule posts and plan a content calendar. You do not need any special tools to attend, just yourself and some enthusiasm. Start your social media for Enterprise: Vinted marketing journey today by registering for this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 17/07/2024 -
Wed 17/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Karen Duncan
Course code:
Q00016493
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Multiply Essex: Beginners Excel and Spreadsheets

Did you know you can use spreadsheets to make hundreds of everyday tasks easier? You can use them to efficiently keep track of job applications, birthday lists, inventories of collectible items, or anything else. Never opened a spreadsheet in your life? Don’t worry. This is an Excel course for beginners, and we’ll cover all the basics. This beginners Excel course aims to teach you computer skills for everyday life, including simple budgeting techniques to manage your money better. This course is funded through Multiply, you are eligible for full funding if you are aged 19+ and have an Essex home postcode.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 18/07/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00015428
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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 22/07/2024 -
Wed 24/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Veronica Hyde
Course code:
Q00015373
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Using Canvas to learn: Steps to success course

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:
Tue 23/07/2024 -
Thu 25/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
KCU Ltd at Fuller Church (Kettering)
51 Gold Street
Kettering
NN16 8JB
Tutor:
Karren Bennett
Course code:
Q00014797
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.80

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Level 2 Teaching assistant taster

Are you thinking about a career in teaching? Then this taster course is for you. Becoming a teaching assistant is the first step in achieving your goals. Teaching assistants are an integral part of the classroom. Not only do they provide vital support for pupils, but they also support the teaching that takes place. This course is ideal if you would like to know more about working as a teaching assistant. The role varies widely with some specializing in certain areas of education such as literacy, numeracy, music, specific learning needs and other disability support, English as a second language or behaviour. Teaching assistants can be found in schools for Early Years right through to secondary schools, and the number of TAs (Teaching Assistant) in one school can vary widely depending on necessity and amount of funding provided.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 24/07/2024 -
Wed 24/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00017568
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Paediatric First Aid

The 8-hour paediatric first aid course provides comprehensive training on the essential skills, numeracy and responsibilities of a paediatric first aider. Participants will learn the critical role they play in emergency situations involving infants and children and also how maths plays a role in that. Core topics covered include CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), including both resuscitation techniques and defibrillation procedures tailored for paediatric cases.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 25/07/2024 -
Fri 26/07/2024
Times:
10:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Beaulieu Community Centre
Beaulieu Square
Centenary Way
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 6AU
Tutor:
Zoe Shelley
Course code:
Q00017062
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free