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 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:
Mon 10/03/2025 -
Tue 08/07/2025
Location:
Landport Community Centre (Portsmouth)
Charles Street
Portsmouth
PO1 1JD
Course code:
Q00016170
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Personal Development: Working in the UK (MPJS)

The "Working in the UK" course is aimed at ESOL 1 learners. This course helps you understand how to get a job in the UK. You will learn about job searching, writing a CV, and doing job interviews. The course also teaches you about workers' rights, like fair pay and safe working conditions. You will learn about UK workplace culture and how to talk to your boss and coworkers. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident about finding and keeping a job in the UK. This course is great for beginners in the UK job market.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 10/03/2025 -
Mon 23/06/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Mount Pleasant School (Southampton)
Mount Pleasant Road
Newtown
Southampton
SO14 0WZ
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00017822
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Professional Development: SWAP Introduction to retail

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

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 10/03/2025 -
Fri 14/03/2025
Location:
Ipswich County Library
Northgate Street
Ipswich
IP1 3DE
Course code:
Q00018993
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Level 1 English: Confidence to learn: Get ready for level 1 functional skills English

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

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 11/03/2025 -
Tue 03/06/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
19 sessions
Location:
Norton Hall Children & Family Centre (Bi
Norton Hall Women & Childrens
Ralph Road
Birmingham
B8 1NA
Tutor:
Imogen Draper
Course code:
Q00017616
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £189.00

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

Professional Development: SWAP Introduction to retail

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

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 17/03/2025 -
Fri 21/03/2025
Location:
Purfleet Trust (King's Lynn)
5 St. Anns Fort
King's Lynn
PE30 1QS
Course code:
Q00018992
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Support your child with Maths and English

Support your child's education with our Support Your Child with Maths and English course. Learn effective strategies and techniques to assist your child with their homework. Ideal for parents and carers looking to enhance their child's academic success.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 19/03/2025 -
Wed 26/03/2025
Location:
Ipswich County Library
Northgate Street
Ipswich
IP1 3DE
Course code:
Q00018965
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

Personal Development: Working in the UK (Bevois)

The "Working in the UK" course is aimed at ESOL 1 learners. This course helps you understand how to get a job in the UK. You will learn about job searching, writing a CV, and doing job interviews. The course also teaches you about workers' rights, like fair pay and safe working conditions. You will learn about UK workplace culture and how to talk to your boss and coworkers. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident about finding and keeping a job in the UK. This course is great for beginners in the UK job market.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 21/03/2025 -
Fri 20/06/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Bevois Town Primary School (Southampton)
Cedar Road
Southampton
SO14 6RU
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00017823
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Professional Development: Preparing to work in the UK advanced

Are you looking for work in the UK or thinking of starting work in the UK? If you have never worked in the UK or worked abroad but have limited experience of working in the UK, this course is for you. The course is designed to support to improve your spoken and written English when thinking about your work skills and the type of work you are interest in. You will take part in mock interviews and help each other to practice your English through informal activities and discussion to prepare you for the world of work and improve your confidence. Improve your digital skills and look at your transferrable skills and how they match job descriptions. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 24/03/2025 -
Mon 21/04/2025
Times:
12:45pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Ladywood Childrens Centre
9 Plough & Harrow Road
Birmingham
B16 8UR
Tutor:
Saima Gulzar
Course code:
Q00015569
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Professional Development: Planning for your future

Take control of your career path with our Professional Development: Planning for Your Future course. Learn how to set career goals, create a development plan, and navigate your professional journey. Ideal for individuals looking to advance their careers or transition into new roles.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/04/2025 -
Fri 16/05/2025
Times:
9:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Fozia Aslam
Course code:
Q00017331
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.80

Certificate in Counselling Skills Level 2

Dive deeper into counselling and sharpen your set of skills for social work. Learn techniques to help those in need of support. Counselling courses teach you fundamental skills employers look for. Understand how to help others in a safe and positive way. The Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills introduces you to using counselling skills in everyday life: for work or within a personal capacity. Develop key skills employers look for in this level 2 counselling course. Team working and communication are key skills for CVs in support work.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 14/04/2025 -
Tue 08/07/2025
Location:
Holyoake House (Manchester)
Holyoake House
Hanover Street
Manchester
M60 0AS
Course code:
Q00016067
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £362.00