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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Heath and Social Care: Step into Care - Introduction to your adult social care role

This is a pre-employment programme delivered online that is designed to support you into work within Adult Social Care. The programme will help you to prepare for work in a care setting by covering key elements of the adult social care pathway, including digital skills, and the opportunity to take a Level 1 course in mental health awareness. You will also gain skills in writing CVs and application forms for social care jobs.  Basically,  this programme is made up of three parts - a value-based interview and training with us at the WEA. If you complete the training successfully you are guaranteed an interview with a social care employer.  This is a working interview, to give you the opportunity experience working in a caring environment. This is a closed course for referrals for the DWP only.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 09/09/2024 -
Fri 04/10/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00018703
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£296.00

GMCA Care Certificate and Interview Success (Step into Care)

This is a pre-employment programme delivered online that is designed to support you into work within Adult Social Care. The programme will help you to prepare for work in a care setting. The programme consists of up to three elements: GMCA Care Certificate (where you will cover the theory elements of the Care Certificate), L1 Stress Awareness and L1 Mental Health Awareness (additional accredited courses you can join if suitable). Once you have completed the course with WEA, GM Careers will place you for a working interview in a social care setting. This is designed like a working interview, to give you the opportunity to try out the working environment.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 09/09/2024 -
Fri 27/09/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Susan Bell
Course code:
Q00015988
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Beginners Digital Skills (Pre Entry)

This course is designed for pre-entry ESOL learners to introduce basic digital skills. During the course, students will learn fundamental computer skills such as using a keyboard, mouse, and navigating the internet. The course covers basic software applications like word processing and email. Practical exercises and interactive tutorials will help students gain confidence in using digital tools effectively. By the end of the course, students will have developed essential skills for using computers and the internet, empowering them to navigate the digital world with confidence.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 09/09/2024 -
Mon 25/11/2024
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:
Q00017308
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Award in Education and Training Level 3

Kickstart your education career with this introductory teaching qualification. Experience the buzz of learning environments and get a view into the profession. Learn essential teaching skills and open doors to further education jobs in this Education and Training course. This course prepares you for teaching jobs working with adults. These can include roles as a tutor, learning assistant, teaching assistant, or trainer in universities, Sixth Form colleges, or other adult learning settings. This Level 3 Award in Teaching and Education is the first step towards a fulfilling career in teaching. If you want to get a teaching qualification, this foundational course can give you a taste of the industry before you move onto higher level qualifications.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 09/09/2024 -
Mon 04/11/2024
Times:
9:30am - 4:30pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gillian Hunt
Course code:
Q00016040
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00

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

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 09/09/2024 -
Mon 02/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017263
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £151.20

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:
Mon 09/09/2024 -
Wed 04/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Scott Knowles
Course code:
Q00016901
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £362.00

SWAP: Intro to working in schools

Are you interested in working in a support role in schools? This 8 session course covers a range of topics from the core subjects of English, maths and science to how children learn through play. We also consider the importance of positive behaviour in the classroom and look at safeguarding in education. In the final couple of sessions, we focus on how to enhance your CV and the school application and interview process.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 09/09/2024 -
Wed 02/10/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00018005
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £59.20

Employability & Skills: SWAP: Introduction to customer service

Working in partnership with Norwich Job Centre and Seetec Pluss, the WEA offers the Introduction to Customer Service Course to equip participants with essential customer service skills for employment. Learners will interact with Aviva, participate in mock interviews, and have the opportunity for a real interview with Aviva. The course provides a comprehensive overview of customer service, helps identify transferable skills, and prepares participants for successful job interviews.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 09/09/2024 -
Thu 12/09/2024
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Seetec
3A Greyfriars Way
Great Yarmouth
NR30 2QE
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00018652
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Get Ready for Functional Skills Maths Entry 3

Set yourself up for success at entry 3 functional skills in maths. This get ready course helps you prepare to tackle entry 3 maths with confidence. The essential maths skills you’ll learn will help you get your qualification and serve you in everyday life. Get ready courses help you learn maths at your own pace. The idea of this course is to give you extra study time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need for entry 3 maths. This is a preparatory maths course for people who are looking to progress to entry 3 functional skills courses. It is a non-accredited adult maths course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 09/09/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Location:
Scaitcliffe Community Centre (Accrington
Hannah Street
Accrington
BB5 0QX
Course code:
Q00016603
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Get Ready for Functional Skills Maths Entry 2

Are you preparing for an entry 2 functional skills course in maths? If so, this course can help to prepare you to study. Set yourself up for success studying adult maths with this preparation course. Get ready courses help you learn maths at your own pace. This course gives you extra study time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need for entry 2 maths. This is an introductory maths course for people who are looking to progress to entry 2 functional skills courses. It is a non-accredited adult maths course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 09/09/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Location:
Scaitcliffe Community Centre (Accrington
Hannah Street
Accrington
BB5 0QX
Course code:
Q00016591
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00