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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Personal Development: Introduction to Maternity Support Work

The Introduction to Maternity Support Work course offers a comprehensive overview of the role of Maternity Support Workers (MSWs) and their collaboration with midwives to provide exceptional care for mothers, babies, and families. Delivered over 10 weeks through lectures and group work, this introductory course provides a supportive and friendly environment to explore the factors influencing a career in maternity support. You will gain insights into the profession, build personal confidence, and develop practical skills for future growth in this rewarding field. Take this first step towards making a meaningful difference in the lives of mothers, babies and families as a Maternity Support Worker.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 20/09/2024 -
Fri 13/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Riverside Community Health Project (Newc
Carnegie Building
Atkinson Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 8XS
Tutor:
Julia Charlton
Course code:
Q00018779
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Get Ready for Functional Skills English (Entry 2)

Set yourself up for success at learning English with this Getting Ready for Functional Skills Entry 2 English preparation course. 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:
Mon 23/09/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Carramea Community Resource Centre (Harr
27 Northolt Road
Harrow
HA2 0LH
Tutor:
Roma Patel
Course code:
Q00017551
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

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:
Mon 23/09/2024 -
Tue 21/01/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
36 sessions
Location:
Landport Community Centre (Portsmouth)
Charles Street
Portsmouth
PO1 1JD
Tutor:
Joanna Browning-Seyfi
Course code:
Q00016160
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Award in Preparation for Work in Community Interpreting

The role of the community interpreter is an integral part of our changing communities and increasingly important. The interpreter acts as a bridge between communities and enables people to access the services they need and approach situations which otherwise would not be possible. The Level 2 Certificate in Preparing for the Community Interpreting Role enables learners who are speakers of other languages to develop the language and skills necessary to go on and train as Community Interpreters at Level 3 and Level 4. This is the ideal qualification for anyone who wants to enter the interpreting profession and become a paid interpreter or volunteer in the UK. The session on March 11th will take place face to face- Venue TBC.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/09/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
26 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Olena Kolesnyk
Course code:
Q00010880
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00

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

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: SWAP Introduction to Helping in Schools Level 1

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our SWAP Introduction to Helping in Schools Level 1 course. Learn the essential skills and knowledge required to support teachers and students in the classroom. Ideal for individuals considering a career in education.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/09/2024 -
Thu 26/09/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Seetec Pluss (Norwich)
1st Floor
Cavell House
Stannard Place
Norwich
NR3 1YE
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018618
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

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. You must live in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire postcode areas to get this course free.

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

Confidence to Learn: Preparation for Award in Digital Promotion for Business Level 2

Get to the core of how to build or promote a business with this digital marketing course. Digital promotion activities such as online and social media marketing can help you support your company’s growth or build your own business. Get first-hand knowledge of key business activities that promote growth. Gain a clear understanding of digital marketing practices with this preparatory digital skills course. It’s ideal for flexible learning as you can choose topics that interest you from a variety of units. Pick up crucial skills for employment that can help you in any sector and build skills for your CV.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 24/09/2024 -
Tue 08/10/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Indrel Doney
Course code:
Q00017630
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £27.75

Award in Preparing to Work in Schools Level 1

Get a view into the enriching world of teaching and learning. If you’d like to work in a school, with kids or in an admin role, this course is the perfect first step. Whether you plan to get a teaching qualification or just want a taster into the school environment, this course can teach you essential skills employers look for in school staff. In this course you’ll learn foundational concepts for working in a learning environment. It can help you decide whether a job at a school is right for you

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 24/09/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
9:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Hull CVS
The Strand
75 Beverley Road
Hull
HU3 1XL
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017991
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Certificate in Mental Health Awareness Level 2

Gain essential skills for care jobs and support work to help you improve the care you give. If you want to work in mentoring, counselling, or as a support worker, this Mental Health Awareness training will teach you important skills employers look for. This course builds on your existing knowledge. We will study definitions of ‘mental health’ and laws around care provision. Learn about the most common mental health conditions in the UK today. Gain greater awareness of the symptoms, causes, and treatments for these conditions. You will study stress, anxiety, phobias, and depression, among others.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 24/09/2024 -
Tue 24/06/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:00pm
Duration:
33 sessions
Location:
The Cornforth Partnership (Ferryhill)
68-70 High Street
West Cornforth
Ferryhill
DL17 9HS
Tutor:
Margaret Mordue
Course code:
Q00018675
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £362.00

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:
Tue 24/09/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00016139
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free