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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Get Ready for Community Interpreting - Understanding the Role of a Community Interpreter

Community Interpreters work within public services (e.g. NHS, schools, doctors’ surgeries, etc.) to help people who may be vulnerable in their community, and do not speak English. Without interpreters, many people would miss out on the help they are entitled to. Community Interpreters play a vital role in their local communities face-to-face and can also work over the telephone or online. This course offers you, as speakers of other languages, the opportunity to learn more about the roles, responsibilities and key aspects of the work of, Community Interpreters. This is a non-accredited course designed to introduce learners to the Community Interpreting profession. You will learn about: The varied settings in which a Community Interpreter can work. The varied dynamics of communities, and access to public services, within the UK, and the various challenges which service users may encounter. How to anticipate and adapt to the situational, social and language difficulties which can arise in community interpreting situations How to compare the public service provision which exists in the UK to that which exists in other countries. How you may later move on to complete a further, specialist, accredited Community Interpreting training course.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 05/02/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Mariann Meszaros
Course code:
Q00016995
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.88

Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Get a teaching qualification and prepare to work in a variety of roles in education. Gain understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to work directly with children and young people. This qualification is for supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. You’ll learn core teaching skills that can be applied in various jobs. Some options include learning assistant, teaching assistant, or special needs assistant. It trains you to become a learning support practitioner. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority. To join Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3 (Q00015527), Follow the eligibility criteria: You need to have the L2 Award. You need to apply on Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Information and study skills L3. Q00015650. You need to complete BKSB Initial Assessment and to qualify you will need to have L1 English.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 13/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
17 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kailash Parekh
Course code:
Q00015527
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Fee range
Free to £450.00

Professional Development: Coaching and Professional Development

This practical course aims to help you to establish a coaching relationship, initiate productive coaching conversations and to challenge people to identify goals and grow professionally and personally. You would need to coach a colleague or someone else who wishes to be coached, as this is a practical course covering key skills including: questioning, goal-setting collaboratively and encouraging personal and professional growth.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Times:
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Rebecca Eliahoo Charles
Course code:
Q00012292
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £51.80

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Communication Skills for Support Staff

Develop effective communication skills for supporting students and staff with our Communication Skills for Support Staff course. Learn strategies for clear and empathetic communication in educational settings. Ideal for individuals working in or aspiring to work in support roles in schools.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Fri 29/11/2024
Times:
9:00am - 11:00am
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018602
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.00

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

Start your own small business

Learn the essentials of starting a small business with our Start Your Own Small Business course. Understand the basics of business planning, finance, and marketing. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their business ideas into reality.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 28/11/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00018624
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Pre Entry Digital Skills

Learn to use digital devices and gain essential computer 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 complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is all new to you. Learn to use word processing software and fill out online forms in this Digital Skills course. Understand how to use email and search for information online. This digital skills training also teaches you how to shop online securely. You’ll understand online safety and data storage

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 07/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Newcastle Bangladeshi Association
246-248 Elswick Road
Newcastle
NE4 6SN
Tutor:
Maryam Knowles
Course code:
Q00019054
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Introduction to Helping in a School Level 1 - Pathways

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our SWAP Introduction to Helping in Schools Level 1 course. Learn the essential skills and knowledge required to support teachers and students in the classroom. Ideal for individuals considering a career in education.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 13/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
16 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00017624
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £55.50

Personal Development: Creativity to Support Health & Wellbeing- Looking after your Nails

Welcome to "Introduction to Manicure, Gel Nails & Nail Art," a comprehensive beginner-level course designed to equip you with the fundamental skills and knowledge to master the art of basic manicure, gel nails and creative nail designs. Whether you aspire to become a professional nail technician or want to explore nail art as a hobby, this course offers a step-by-step guide to the essential techniques, tools, and trends in the industry. Join us face to face, in-venue for this practical course. Basic materials and equipment provided.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 23/01/2025
Times:
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Space4
Houghton Library
74 Newbottle Street
Houghton le Spring
DH4 4AF
Tutor:
Tracey Carver
Course code:
Q00019826
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 08/11/2024 -
Fri 14/03/2025
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:
Q00018208
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Personal Development: Learn English My Way Intermediate

Continue to enjoy developing your English and Digital skills in this friendly face to face venue. Use your new skills from your previous course and continue to build confidence when using your speaking listening and reading skills in everyday life . This course is the next steps to developing and using Engish and Digial skills for everyday suitations. We will us a variety of activties to support learning including using the BBC Learning English My Way to further develop confidence and skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 08/11/2024 -
Fri 13/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
New Hope Global (Birmingham)
Birchfield Library (2nd floor)
3 Trinity Road
Birmingham
B6 6AH
Tutor:
Saima Gulzar
Course code:
Q00019737
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40