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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Functional Skills Qualification in English (Level 1)

Develop skills to help you read, write, and communicate in English with confidence. Improved language skills open doors to work and study opportunities and help you learn key skills for employment. Level 1 functional skills courses are not like learning English at school. They’re created by adults for adults, and aim to teach you practical English skills through real-life situations. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills level 1 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. 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:
Wed 11/09/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Location:
The Salvation Army Church & Community Ce
13 Church Street
Louth
LN11 9BS
Course code:
Q00017412
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Pre-Entry Digital Skills: Beginners Part 1

During your course, you will learn core skills that boost your confidence, such as surfing the internet, adding bookmarks and searching efficiently. Create files and folders to organize your information. Importantly, you will gain essential knowledge about keeping yourself and your information safe online. Recognise and avoid fake websites, understand secure browsing practices, and protecting personal information. By mastering these skills, you will navigate the digital world efficiently, proficiently and securely, ensuring a safer and more productive online experience. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority. Participants must live in Coventry Area Postcodes CV1 to CV6 inclusive

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 11/09/2024 -
Wed 23/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Watch Charity Ltd (Coventry)
10-12 Victoria Street
Coventry
CV1 5LZ
Tutor:
Shirley Bate
Course code:
Q00015612
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £73.60

Understanding the role of the Community Interpreter level 1

Are you bilingual? Ever thought about using your language skills to help out 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 course gives you an introduction to the language and interpreting skills needed for this type of work. It can teach you foundational concepts to test your community interpreting skills informally with family or friends. This course can prepare you to help members of your family or community to overcome language barriers in their everyday lives. It can also help you decide if you’re interested in pursuing community interpreting jobs. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/09/2024 -
Thu 07/11/2024
Times:
9:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Fozia Aslam
Course code:
Q00015542
How you'll learn:
In venue
Status:
Waiting list (Join waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £100.80

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges

If you enjoy the buzz of learning environments, this qualification can teach you key skills for employment in a school or college. This government-funded course prepares you for a variety of roles. It provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in admin, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with kids in teaching positions. It also provides you with the qualifications needed to work in admin at schools. No matter what role you’re interested in, this course can teach you skills for employability in schools and colleges.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/09/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Camborne Community Centre (Camborne)
South Terrace
Camborne
TR14 8SU
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00016152
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

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

Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Entry 3)

Take your maths skills to the next level to help you with work or study opportunities. Adult maths teaches you practical numeracy skills for everyday life. This entry 3 functional skills maths course offers a practical way to learn maths as an adult. Functional skills maths courses aren’t like studying maths at school. You’ll learn maths in context. Develop maths skills to face real-life situations such as organising your personal budget or applying discounts when shopping. This entry 3 functional maths course is right for you if you want to enhance your maths skills to work or study. It can help you learn essential 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. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/09/2024 -
Thu 28/11/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Humera Mehrban
Course code:
Q00015512
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Pre Entry Digital Skills: Introduction to Computers & Digital Devices

Welcome to Introduction to Computers & Digital Devices! This course is designed for beginners who want to learn the basics of using digital devices effectively. In today's world, digital devices are ubiquitous, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktop computers. Understanding how to navigate and utilize these devices is essential for both personal and professional endeavours.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/09/2024 -
Thu 21/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Andalus Community Centre
35-37 Exchange Street
Sheffield
S2 5TR
Tutor:
Benjamin Warner
Course code:
Q00017838
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Get Ready for Functional Skills Maths Entry 3

Set yourself up for success at entry 3 functional skills in maths. This get ready course helps you prepare to tackle entry 3 maths with confidence. The essential maths skills you’ll learn will help you get your qualification and serve you in everyday life. Get ready courses help you learn maths at your own pace. The idea of this course is to give you extra study time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need for entry 3 maths. This is a preparatory maths course for people who are looking to progress to entry 3 functional skills courses. It is a non-accredited adult maths course.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/09/2024 -
Thu 16/01/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
16 sessions
Location:
Faith Centre Burnley Campus Social Ente
Barden Lane
Burnley
BB10 1JD
Tutor:
Maura Rose
Course code:
Q00016602
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Understanding the role of the community interpreter level 1

Are you bilingual? Ever thought about using your language skills to help out 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 course gives you an introduction to the language and interpreting skills needed for this type of work. It can teach you foundational concepts to test your community interpreting skills informally with family or friends. This course can prepare you to help members of your family or community to overcome language barriers in their everyday lives. It can also help you decide if you’re interested in pursuing community interpreting jobs. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 13/09/2024 -
Fri 08/11/2024
Times:
9:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Fozia Aslam
Course code:
Q00017330
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

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. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 13/09/2024 -
Fri 29/11/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Humera Mehrban
Course code:
Q00015513
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Beginners Digital Skills (Pre Entry)

This course is designed for pre-entry ESOL learners to introduce basic digital skills. During the course, students will learn fundamental computer skills such as using a keyboard, mouse, and navigating the internet. The course covers basic software applications like word processing and email. Practical exercises and interactive tutorials will help students gain confidence in using digital tools effectively. By the end of the course, students will have developed essential skills for using computers and the internet, empowering them to navigate the digital world with confidence.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 13/09/2024 -
Fri 29/11/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Bevois Town Primary School (Southampton)
Cedar Road
Southampton
SO14 6RU
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00017311
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40