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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Level 2 Sewing into Business Progression - The Mosses Centre, Bury

Discover the art of precision and creativity in our Sewing for Business progression Course. Expand on the fundamentals of machine sewing, mastering essential techniques, and creating a garment of your choice. You'll gain hands-on experience and the confidence to bring your design ideas to life. Learners will be taught how to make specific garments, as well as master more skilled techniques, such as sewing concealed zips into garments and more complex stitching. Join us for a transformative learning experience that blends craftsmanship with entrepreneurial acumen, equipping you for success in the world of sewing and business.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 08/07/2024 -
Mon 29/07/2024
Times:
9:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Mosses Community Centre (Bury)
Cecil Street
Bury
BL9 0SB
Tutor:
Nasim Younis
Course code:
Q00015425
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Personal Development: DWP CV Writing workshop

The CV writing workshop will empower Department for Work and Pensions claimants to create a new CV or update an existing CV with the help of an experienced tutor. You will learn the basic concepts and importance of an effective CV, ensuring that it includes personal details, information on education, work experience, key skills and references. Where appropriate you will receive support to tailor CVs to specific job roles with a view to improve prospects for being invited for an interview. It will be an opportunity to obtain individual feedback, review drafted CVs and address any individual queries and concerns.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 08/07/2024 -
Mon 08/07/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
DWP Wellington Street Job Centre
Crown Buildings
60 Wellington Street
Leicester
LE1 6DS
Tutor:
Ayman Ali
Course code:
Q00015457
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

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:
Tue 09/07/2024 -
Tue 09/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Health Resource Centre (Newcastle upon T
Adelaide Terrace
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 8BE
Tutor:
Maryam Knowles
Course code:
Q00016201
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.50

Personal Development: DWP CV Writing workshop

The CV writing workshop will empower Department for Work and Pensions claimants to create a new CV or update an existing CV with the help of an experienced tutor. You will learn the basic concepts and importance of an effective CV, ensuring that it includes personal details, information on education, work experience, key skills and references. Where appropriate you will receive support to tailor CVs to specific job roles with a view to improve prospects for being invited for an interview. It will be an opportunity to obtain individual feedback, review drafted CVs and address any individual queries and concerns.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/07/2024 -
Wed 10/07/2024
Times:
10:30am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
DWP Wellington Street Job Centre
Crown Buildings
60 Wellington Street
Leicester
LE1 6DS
Tutor:
Ayman Ali
Course code:
Q00015451
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.50

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:
WEA Membership

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:
Wed 10/07/2024 -
Wed 17/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Space4
Houghton Library
74 Newbottle Street
Houghton le Spring
DH4 4AF
Tutor:
Susan Jones
Course code:
Q00017566
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Entry Level Essential Digital Skills: Get to know your Device - Intermediate

In today's fast-paced digital world, the ability to use a mobile device is more than just a convenience—it's a necessity. The Digital Skills Hub is excited to introduce a comprehensive 5-week course designed specifically for individuals who feel left behind in the digital age. Our "Get to Know Your Device" course aims to empower participants with the essential skills needed to confidently navigate and utilize their mobile devices. Join us at the Digital Skills Hub and embark on a journey towards mobile mastery. Empower yourself with the skills and confidence to navigate the digital world with ease and embrace the benefits of being connected in today's digital age. Don't let technology pass you by—take control of your digital destiny with our Mobile Mastery course! Aimed for people with a basic level of digital skill.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/07/2024 -
Thu 08/08/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Digital Skill Hub (Computer Room)
30-32 Royal Arcade
Christchurch Road
Boscombe
Bournemouth
BH1 4BT
Tutor:
Lucy Pender
Course code:
Q00015313
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £63.00

Entry Level Essential Digital Skills: Study Skills

This course is structured to cover key aspects of study skills tailored to prepare learners for the Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Essential Digital Skills Qualifications. Topics will include: using Canvas (the WEA’s virtual learning platform), organising course files, online safety, digital note-taking, researching on the internet, online communication (email and messaging) and using different digital devices. You will learn through a wide variety of methods including interactive lectures, practical exercises, group work and discussions. You will also gain an understanding of what to expect from the Essential Digital Skills qualifications. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority https://www.wmca.org.uk/

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/07/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Ekta Vishrolia
Course code:
Q00016149
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Using Canvas to learn: Steps to success course

Studying online is a fun and effective way to learn. This course will teach you to use Canvas so that you can get the most out of WEA courses. You’ll learn digital skills to support you to study WEA online courses. This Canvas course is ideal for you if you’re considering taking a WEA course but feel unsure of your digital skills. It’s appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 23/07/2024 -
Thu 25/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
KCU Ltd at Fuller Church (Kettering)
51 Gold Street
Kettering
NN16 8JB
Tutor:
Karren Bennett
Course code:
Q00014797
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.80

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Level 2 Teaching assistant taster

Are you thinking about a career in teaching? Then this taster course is for you. Becoming a teaching assistant is the first step in achieving your goals. Teaching assistants are an integral part of the classroom. Not only do they provide vital support for pupils, but they also support the teaching that takes place. This course is ideal if you would like to know more about working as a teaching assistant. The role varies widely with some specializing in certain areas of education such as literacy, numeracy, music, specific learning needs and other disability support, English as a second language or behaviour. Teaching assistants can be found in schools for Early Years right through to secondary schools, and the number of TAs (Teaching Assistant) in one school can vary widely depending on necessity and amount of funding provided.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 24/07/2024 -
Wed 24/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00017568
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Paediatric First Aid

The 8-hour paediatric first aid course provides comprehensive training on the essential skills, numeracy and responsibilities of a paediatric first aider. Participants will learn the critical role they play in emergency situations involving infants and children and also how maths plays a role in that. Core topics covered include CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), including both resuscitation techniques and defibrillation procedures tailored for paediatric cases.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 25/07/2024 -
Fri 26/07/2024
Times:
10:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Beaulieu Community Centre
Beaulieu Square
Centenary Way
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 6AU
Tutor:
Zoe Shelley
Course code:
Q00017062
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free