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

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Helping in schools taster

Would you like to help children gain confidence in their reading as well as English and maths? Then this taster course is for you. This course will give you information about various roles in our schools and parenting pathway. It will give you an insight into the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in administration, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. You will be introduced to a range of strategies used to help children in schools or your own children at home to become more confident in their ability. This course is ideal for anyone looking to progress onto work or volunteering in an education setting. Join us online for this one-day taster course to find out about our helping in school's courses.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 25/07/2024 -
Thu 25/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00017578
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10

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



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

Functional Skills Maths

Gain a GCSE-equivalent qualification with this functional skills maths course. Learn maths skills to open doors to work and study opportunities. Functional maths courses also support you in everyday situations. Learn maths as an adult and enjoy the experience. Functional maths helps you develop practical maths skills in context. Understand how numeracy skills can assist you in a job or your personal life. This functional skills maths course teaches you essential maths skills through practical examples. It’s ideal for you if you would like to gain a GCSE-equivalent maths qualification.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 14/12/2023 -
Wed 31/07/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000006
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills English

Get an English qualification to help you access a variety of work and study options. Functional skills courses in English teach you to read, write, and communicate confidently in English. Functional skills English isn’t like learning English at school. This is an English course for adults created by adults. Develop practical English skills by learning language in context.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Wed 31/07/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000004
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee:
Free

Support Work in Schools

If you are thinking about a career in teaching, this introductory 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 working as a teaching assistant.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 27/02/2024 -
Wed 31/07/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000024
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress

Skincare for Makeup and Beginners

The course introduces the basic beauty skills you need for entry in to the beauty industry. This course covers essential skills and knowledge to progress towards a career in the beauty industry. Makeup for beginners Discover application techniques products and tools for creating flawless makeup looks on this online course. Learn the art of makeup application and discover various makeup styles that include day time and evening smoky eye looks. Health and safety in the beauty industry. This course includes essential health, hygiene and safety in the beauty workplace. Starting your own small business. This course is designed for those looking to start a small business within this exciting industry. This course oh covers developing your business idea, including your business name pricing working hours and using social media etc.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 16/04/2024 -
Tue 09/07/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000031
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
In progress

Preparation for Work

"First Steps in ESOL" is a foundational course designed to help beginners embark on their journey of learning English as a Second Language (ESOL). This course is tailored for individuals with little to no prior knowledge of English, providing a supportive and engaging environment to develop essential language skills. Participants will learn fundamental vocabulary and phrases for everyday situations, such as greetings, introductions, and simple conversations about personal information, family, and daily activities. On this course, learners will have the opportunity to discuss your progress with the tutor. Join us and take your first steps towards mastering the English language!

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 17/06/2024 -
Mon 15/07/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
CREST (South Shields)
95 Fowler Street
South Shields
NE33 1NU
Tutor:
Marina Fasa
Course code:
Q00017022
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee:
Free

Entry Level Essential Digital Skills: Digital Skills For Everyday Living

Learn to use digital devices and gain essential digital 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 those who feel somewhat confident with their digital skills or would like to improve them, so don’t worry if this is new to you. Learn to use your phone, your keyboard, calendar, notes, contact list and fill out online forms in this Digital Skills course. Understand how to take and upload pictures and search for information online. This digital skills training also teaches you how to shop online securely and so you’ll understand online safety.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 18/06/2024 -
Wed 10/07/2024
Times:
12:15pm - 2:15pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Clovelly Centre (Southampton)
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00014029
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £67.20