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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Professional Development: Baking and cake decorating for enterprise

The course is designed to provide a step-by-step guide for learners in the field of cakes and bakes. It will give an insight to methods from baking new trends, decorating cakes with buttercream and fondant, to being independent to cater for personal and professional aspirations. The course takes place in a women only centre in Bradford and is suitable for beginners and improvers. Some prior experience of baking is useful. This course is funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/06/2025 -
Tue 22/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Millan Centre (Bradford)
Victor Street
Bradford
BD9 4RA
Tutor:
Tanzeela Javid
Course code:
Q00016542
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £63.00

Employability CEIAG

In this course you will learn about the responsibilities and expectations required of school staff as well as understand employment options available. This will enable you to make informed choices about the work experience and longer term schools based employment options available to you. You will also learn about the behaviour and responsibilities expected of school staff. Schools benefit from a variety of different staff that support the learning and welfare of pupils. In addition to the main teacher in each classroom, there are many other jobs inside and outside of lessons that contribute to how a school runs and how pupils learn. These jobs are typically called support roles, and make up half of the workforce in schools.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/06/2025 -
Wed 18/06/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
St Pauls Learning Centre (Bristol)
94 Grosvenor Road
St Pauls
Bristol
BS2 8XJ
Tutor:
Andrew Read
Course code:
Q00011605
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

Professional Development: SWAP Introduction to Hospitality

Prepare for a career in hospitality with our SWAP Introduction to Hospitality course. Learn essential skills and knowledge required to work in the hospitality sector. Ideal for individuals seeking to enter the hospitality industry or enhance their hospitality skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/06/2025 -
Fri 20/06/2025
Location:
Charles Burrell Centre
Staniforth Road
Thetford
IP24 3EA
Course code:
Q00018987
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Entry Level Digital Skills: Google - How to use Google Workspace

Discover the wonderful world of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite): This short taster course will introduce you to the basics of Google Workspace including an overview of how to create and implement it and what you can do with Google Workspace. You will learn how to use and get the most from Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Keep, Forms, Gmail, and other apps in Google’s Workspace productivity suite. Whether you have studied the content before or are completely new to it, You will find value on this programme. You do not need any special tools to attend, just yourself and some enthusiasm. Start your Google Workspace journey today by registering for this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/06/2025 -
Mon 14/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Grace Adejuwon
Course code:
Q00017454
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Award in Mental Health Awareness Level 1

If you’re interested in learning more about mental health issues, this level 1 course can teach you the foundational concepts. You’ll get a view into the nature of mental health work and the issues that face people struggling with it. Level 1 health and social care courses about mental health can teach you the basic principles of mental health care. If you enjoy this course you can continue your learning in this area. Mental health awareness training can help you understand if this area of work interests you.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/06/2025 -
Wed 25/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Veronica Hyde
Course code:
Q00016015
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Getting ready for Care

Begin your journey into the care sector with our Step into Care course. Learn essential skills and knowledge required to provide high-quality care to clients. Ideal for individuals considering a career in care or looking to enhance their caregiving skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/06/2025 -
Fri 27/06/2025
Location:
Norwich Central Baptist Church (Norwich)
Duke Street
Norwich
NR3 3AP
Course code:
Q00018948
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

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 30/06/2025 -
Wed 02/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Veronica Hyde
Course code:
Q00016029
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Professional development: Interview skills

This course will give you the knowledge and understanding you need to prepare for an interview, either for a job or potential course. You will also consider how to present and conduct yourself during an interview. The course will also support you to know what questions you could ask during an interview and give you some practice of asking and answering questions. In addition, it will help you recognise do’s and don’ts for an interview situation so that you may present yourself in the best way possible and maximise your chances of success! This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 30/06/2025 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Imogen Draper
Course code:
Q00017328
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £55.50

Entry Level Essential Digital Skills

Build a solid foundation in digital literacy with our Entry Level Essential Digital Skills course. Learn the basics of using a computer, navigating the internet, and understanding essential software applications. Ideal for absolute beginners looking to build confidence in their digital abilities.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 01/07/2025 -
Tue 08/07/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
WEA (Leicester)
101 Hinckley Road
Leicester
LE3 0TD
Tutor:
Mariam Sidat
Course code:
Q00017243
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.80

Community Interpreting: Understanding the Role of a Community Interpreter

Are you bilingual? Ever thought about using your language skills to help in the community? Did you know you can get many jobs with languages? If you speak English and another language fluently, you could make a great community interpreter. This community interpreter workshop gives you an introduction to the language and interpreting skills needed for this type of work. It can give you a brief idea of foundational concepts to test your community interpreting skills informally with family or friends. It can also help you decide if you’re interested in pursuing community interpreting jobs. Come along to this workshop and find out if community interpreting is for you.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 16/07/2025 -
Wed 16/07/2025
Times:
9:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
CREST (South Shields)
95 Fowler Street
South Shields
NE33 1NU
Tutor:
Maryam Knowles
Course code:
Q00019402
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free



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

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:
Thu 01/08/2024 -
Thu 31/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000024
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress

Counselling

This course focuses on an understanding of counselling and developing practical skills. The importance of counselling for the wellbeing of individuals and society is being increasingly recognised. You will be introduced to the nature of counselling and learn and practice active listening skills such as reflecting, paraphrasing, summarising, and giving feedback. The course is aimed at anyone who may be considering either a career in counselling, or wanting to develop valuable helping and listening skills, as well as anyone interested in developing self-awareness.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 01/08/2024 -
Thu 31/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000026
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress

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 01/08/2024 -
Thu 31/07/2025
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 01/08/2024 -
Thu 31/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000004
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee:
Free

Get Ready for Functional Skills English Level 1

This course will help you to practice your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in English. It will help you get ready to move onto a Level 1 accredited course in the future

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 19/11/2024 -
Tue 18/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gabriella Russo
Course code:
Q00011485
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £150.00