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 (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 26/09/2024 -
Thu 30/01/2025
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

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Preparing for the Support Role in Schools L2 Qualification

Have you completed an introductory or a Level 1 helping in schools course? Then this introductory course is right for you. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge and study skills needed to prepare you for a Level 2 course. It will also provide you with the opportunity to practice using study skills such as quizzes, case studies and related texts. You will get the chance to discuss new topics with other learners and, ask and answer questions. You will also be given a brief outline of what you will learn on your course. Your tutor will give you constructive feedback to ensure you are ready for your next stage of learning.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 31/07/2025
Location:
Daubeney Children's Centre/ Primary Scho
103 Daubeney Road
Hackney
London
E5 0EG
Course code:
Q00017618
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £27.75

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

Would you like to help children gain confidence in their reading as well as English and maths? Then this course is for you. No matter what role you are interested in, this course can teach you skills that will help you gain employment in a school or college. It will provide you with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in an administration, technical, or support role in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with children in teaching positions.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Location:
Woodpecker Hall Academy (London)
North Star Community Trust
Cuckoo Hall Lane
London
N9 8DR
Course code:
Q00010455
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Personal Development: Reflexology for Pain Management

"Personal Care: Reflexology for Pain Management" is a specialized course designed to introduce students to the ancient practice of reflexology with a focus on alleviating pain. This course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, enabling students to understand the principles of reflexology and apply techniques to manage and reduce pain effectively. Participants will explore the reflex points on the feet, hands, and ears and learn how to stimulate these areas to promote relaxation and pain relief. The course takes place in a friendly and encouraging environment, supported by a specialist tutor and the team at WEA.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 31/10/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
The Serenity Academy
20 High Street
Wath-on-Dearne
Rotherham
S63 7QG
Tutor:
Karen Hunter
Course code:
Q00018263
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.60

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

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Level 2)

There are many reasons to study this English functional skills course but you might be surprised to know that they’re not academic. Whether you want to feel more confident at public speaking or would like to study an apprenticeship or traineeship, this Level 2 English Functional Skills course can help you achieve your goals in a fun and practical way. Functional skills courses teach you English skills for learning, life, and work- not just to pass an exam. Enjoy the learning process as you watch your vocabulary grow, your spelling improve, and your confidence soar. If you’re fed up with academic courses and want to learn English in a practical and gratifying way, you won’t regret taking this English functional skills level 2 course. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Location:
Holyoake House (Manchester)
Holyoake House
Hanover Street
Manchester
M60 0AS
Course code:
Q00016135
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Pre-Entry Essential Digital Skills: Beginners Digital Skills

Welcome to the Beginners Digital course for pre-entry ESOL learners! This course helps you learn basic computer and digital skills while improving your English. You will learn how to use a computer, navigate the internet, and send emails. We will also teach you how to use smartphones and tablets. The course includes activities like typing, searching for information online, and using social media safely. With simple and clear instructions, you will gain confidence in using digital tools. Join us to develop essential digital skills and enhance your English in a supportive and friendly environment!

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 27/09/2024 -
Mon 04/11/2024
Times:
9:45am - 12:15pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Clovelly Centre (Southampton)
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00017129
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £63.00

Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Progress your teaching assistant career with a Level 3 teaching assistant qualification. Experience the buzz of working with young people and get a more detailed view into the profession. Learn essential teaching assistant skills and open doors to working in a school with this course. This course prepares you for teaching assistant jobs working in a variety of school settings with children and young people from the age of 5 years old. These can include roles as a playground assistant, learning assistant, teaching assistant, and other related roles. You will need to work in a suitable placement of your choice as part of this course. This Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning is a further step towards a fulfilling support career in a school setting. It is a great course if you already have a Level 2 qualification in supporting teaching and learning or in related subjects.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 27/09/2024 -
Fri 18/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 3:00pm
Duration:
38 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00017468
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £1417.00

Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Level 1)

Work towards GCSE-level maths skills with this functional skills level 1 course. Progress your maths skills to help you access work and study opportunities. Functional maths improves your numeracy skills through real-life situations. Learn maths in context. Develop practical maths skills to help you in everyday situations such as organising your personal budget or applying discounts when shopping. This level 1 functional skills maths course can help you get a GCSE-equivalent qualification in maths. You’ll learn practical maths skills employers look for. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 27/09/2024 -
Fri 13/12/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00016133
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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:
Mon 30/09/2024 -
Mon 09/12/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Wesley Hall Community Centre (Leicester)
76 Hartington Road
Leicester
LE2 0GN
Tutor:
Mariam Sidat
Course code:
Q00017231
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Personal Development: Mind at Work

This course is put on in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council and Job Centre Plus. Are you unemployed and looking for work but experiencing mental health issues? These might include, but not be limited to, stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks or post traumatic stress. This free support programme will help you to cope better with these challenges and discover techniques and strategies to use in every day life. There is an information and registration day on Monday, 15 April 10am-12pm. Please bring photo ID. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 30/09/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
20 sessions
Location:
The Old School Building (Wolverhampton)
The Old School
73 Dudley Road
Wolverhampton
WV2 3BY
Tutor:
Jayne Evans
Course code:
Q00015657
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £210.00