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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Beginners Social Media Marketing

Social media is one of the biggest marketing channels today. Whether you’re a small business owner, charity worker, community service operator, or local performer, having a presence online can help you get in front of your target audience. Social media courses give you essential digital training to be able to set up and run social media accounts. They also help you learn to market yourself online. This social media marketing course is aimed at beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you! We will cover five main platforms: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Understand how these channels work and learn to set up your profile. Understand how to define your target audience and create content that they want to see. Learn how to schedule posts and plan a content calendar.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Karen Duncan
Course code:
Q00010702
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

Essential Digital Skills (Entry 3) Qualification

Digital skills are increasingly in demand in modern society. Picking up essential digital skills can help you go about your everyday life, as well as open doors to employment opportunities. This course starts at the beginning and covers everything from using a digital device to getting started on social media and making videos. This Entry-level 3 digital skills course is aimed at complete beginners- so don’t worry if this is new to you. If you want to learn digital skills for everyday life or improve your job prospects, this course is ideal for you. It's also suitable for people reentering the workforce after a long break.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 24/09/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00010926
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £177.60

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 30/09/2024 -
Wed 02/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Veronica Hyde
Course code:
Q00016010
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Professional development: Step into apprenticeships

This course will help you to understand the opportunities available to you through apprenticeships. Ever wondered how apprenticeships work and who they are for? Thought you were too old to start an apprenticeship? This course will develop your knowledge and awareness of the variety of apprenticeships available to you. Discover how to learn while competing on the job training in a specific role and how an apprenticeship can benefit your personal development. This course may lead to further training, higher education and employment. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 07/10/2024 -
Mon 18/11/2024
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Sophie Fowkes
Course code:
Q00015544
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £51.80

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

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 07/10/2024 -
Wed 09/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Veronica Hyde
Course code:
Q00016024
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

GMCA Care Certificate and Interview Success (Step into Care)

This is a pre-employment programme delivered online that is designed to support you into work within Adult Social Care. The programme will help you to prepare for work in a care setting. The programme consists of up to three elements: GMCA Care Certificate (where you will cover the theory elements of the Care Certificate), L1 Stress Awareness and L1 Mental Health Awareness (additional accredited courses you can join if suitable). Once you have completed the course with WEA, GM Careers will place you for a working interview in a social care setting. This is designed like a working interview, to give you the opportunity to try out the working environment.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 28/10/2024 -
Fri 15/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Susan Bell
Course code:
Q00015990
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
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:
Wed 30/10/2024 -
Sat 01/02/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00011485
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Beginners Blogging: How to create a Blog

Starting a blog is easier than you think. If you have ideas, tips, or recommendations to share, this short blogging course can teach you the essentials to get your blog online. This beginner’s blogging course covers essential lessons in both writing and setting up your blog. You’ll learn creative writing techniques to make your blogs engaging, and digital skills to make sure you can set up and maintain your site. This course is aimed at beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you. This beginners blogging course covers the basics of launching a blog. Become familiar with the Content Management System (CMS) where you will upload your blog. You will also receive CMS training to teach you how to set up and maintain your website. Learn to publish and promote your blog.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 02/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Peter Brown
Course code:
Q00017645
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Beginners Blogging: How to create a Blog

Starting a blog is easier than you think. If you have ideas, tips, or recommendations to share, this short blogging course can teach you the essentials to get your blog online. This beginner’s blogging course covers essential lessons in both writing and setting up your blog. You’ll learn creative writing techniques to make your blogs engaging, and digital skills to make sure you can set up and maintain your site. This course is aimed at beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you. This beginners blogging course covers the basics of launching a blog. Become familiar with the Content Management System (CMS) where you will upload your blog. You will also receive CMS training to teach you how to set up and maintain your website. Learn to publish and promote your blog.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 04/12/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00017646
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Get a teaching qualification and prepare to work in a variety of roles in education. Gain understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to work directly with children and young people. This qualification is for supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. You’ll learn core teaching skills that can be applied in various jobs. Some options include learning assistant, teaching assistant, or special needs assistant. It trains you to become a learning support practitioner. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 12/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
17 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kailash Parekh
Course code:
Q00015527
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £450.00