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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Setting up and Arts and Crafts Business

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.
Dates:
Tue 15/07/2025 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021681
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£18.50

Tailoring your CV for Success

This micro course is designed for community learners who want to improve their job application success by learning how to tailor their CVs for different roles. In today’s competitive job market, it’s essential to highlight the skills and experience most relevant to each job you apply for, and this course will provide the practical skills to do just that. Throughout the session, learners will explore the key components of a CV, including personal statements, work experience, skills, and qualifications. The course will teach learners how to adapt each section of their CV to match the job description, ensuring they present themselves as the ideal candidate. Learners will also learn about using keywords from job adverts to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and how to format their CVs to make a lasting impression. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to customise their CVs confidently for each job application, improving their chances of securing interviews. This course is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their job application strategy and stand out to potential employers.
Dates:
Mon 21/07/2025 -
Mon 21/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021658
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£11.10

Setting up and Arts and Crafts Business

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.
Dates:
Tue 22/07/2025 -
Tue 22/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021683
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£18.50

Setting up and Arts and Crafts Business

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.
Dates:
Tue 22/07/2025 -
Tue 22/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021684
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£18.50



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

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.
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.
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.
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

Working as a Teaching Assistant - Pathways Taster

If you are thinking about a career in teaching, this taster 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 becoming a teaching assistant. The role varies widely with some specialising in certain areas such as specific learning needs and other disability support.
Dates:
Thu 06/03/2025 -
Thu 06/03/2025
Times:
9:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00010520
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10

Essential Digital Skills Level 1

Build your confidence using digital skills in your personal life and in the workplace. Understand how digital programmes and services can enhance your everyday life and simplify common tasks. Learn skills employers look for and improve your job prospects. If you’d like to learn digital skills for a better life, this course will teach you everything you need to know. This Level 1 digital skills course is suitable for improvers, as you will build upon your current digital device knowledge. Learn how to use the Microsoft Office programmes: create and edit text documents in Word, create spreadsheets and use number calculations in Excel, and use PowerPoint to create presentations. These are universal digital skills employers look for and can help you in a variety of job roles. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Dates:
Mon 10/03/2025 -
Mon 21/07/2025
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:
Q00015535
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £150.00