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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Community Interpreting: Understanding the Role of a Community Interpreter

Are you bilingual? Ever thought about using your language skills to help 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 workshop gives you an introduction to the language and interpreting skills needed for this type of work. It can give you a brief idea of foundational concepts to test your community interpreting skills informally with family or friends. It can also help you decide if you’re interested in pursuing community interpreting jobs. Come along to this workshop and find out if community interpreting is for you.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 16/07/2025 -
Wed 16/07/2025
Times:
9:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
CREST (South Shields)
95 Fowler Street
South Shields
NE33 1NU
Tutor:
Maryam Knowles
Course code:
Q00019402
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15



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

Support Work in Schools

If you are thinking about a career in teaching, this introductory 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 working as a teaching assistant.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 01/08/2024 -
Thu 31/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000024
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress

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.

Course Information

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.

Course Information

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.

Course Information

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

Personal Development: Creativity to Support Health & Wellbeing- Looking after your Nails

Welcome to "Introduction to Manicure, Gel Nails & Nail Art," a comprehensive beginner-level course designed to equip you with the fundamental skills and knowledge to master the art of basic manicure, gel nails and creative nail designs. Whether you aspire to become a professional nail technician or want to explore nail art as a hobby, this course offers a step-by-step guide to the essential techniques, tools, and trends in the industry. Join us face to face, in-venue for this practical course. Basic materials and equipment provided. This course is funded by North East Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 14/11/2024 -
Thu 30/01/2025
Times:
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Space4
Houghton Library
74 Newbottle Street
Houghton le Spring
DH4 4AF
Tutor:
Tracey Carver
Course code:
Q00019826
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £84.00