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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Introduction to SEND

The short introductory course is to find out more about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The course will provide an initial understanding of the spectrum of autistic disorders and how they can affect people in a variety of ways, as well as exploring the importance of a person-centred approach to provide support. It’s important to be aware of the range of special needs you can encounter when dealing with others. Special needs education courses can help you understand what to expect and how to support all learning needs.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 04/10/2024 -
Fri 29/11/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
Ann Tayler Children's Centre (Hackney)
1-13 Triangle Road
Off Westgate Street
Hackney
E8 3RP
Tutor:
Tracey Shackle
Course code:
Q00011649
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

Time Management

Learning to plan your time more effectively can help you increase your personal productivity and perform better in various aspects of your life. If you feel like you’re constantly behind and rushing from one thing to the next, this time management training course can help you take the reins on your schedule. Learn techniques to help you enhance your productivity without burning out. Improving your time management skills can help you perform better in voluntary roles, work, or as a parent. It can also help you find ways to juggle all of these responsibilities without generating stress. You must live in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire postcode areas to get this course free. You must live in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire postcode areas to get this course free.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 04/10/2024 -
Mon 07/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Inna Gorobets
Course code:
Q00015745
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £14.80

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

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

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:
Mon 07/10/2024 -
Fri 13/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
40 sessions
Location:
WEA York Court (Bristol)
7 York Court
Wilder Street
Bristol
BS2 8QH
Tutor:
Aleksandra Novikova
Course code:
Q00009603
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

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

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:
Mon 07/10/2024 -
Mon 17/03/2025
Location:
Todmorden Learning Centre (Todmorden)
Burnley Road
Todmorden
OL14 7BX
Course code:
Q00018425
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Entry Level Essential Digital Skills

Build a solid foundation in digital literacy with our Entry Level Essential Digital Skills course. Learn the basics of using a computer, navigating the internet, and understanding essential software applications. Ideal for absolute beginners looking to build confidence in their digital abilities.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 07/10/2024 -
Mon 09/12/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
St Matthews Neighbourhood Cntr (Library)
10 Malabar Road
Leicester
LE1 2PD
Tutor:
Chantal Ngounou
Course code:
Q00017242
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 2)

Continue developing English skills to help you in work and everyday life situations. This functional skills English entry 2 course teaches you skills for reading, writing, and communicating in English. Learn how to improve your writing skills and build on the basic reading skills from entry 1. Adult English courses teach you practical communication skills to help you get a job or study. Develop your English skills through real-life situations. This course teaches you tools and resources to improve your use of English in new and familiar situations. These skills can help you succeed in your studies, professional situations, and social interactions. This 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 08/10/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
27 sessions
Location:
Queensgate Hotel
Fletton Avenue
Peterborough
South East
PE2 8AX
Tutor:
Inna Gorobets
Course code:
Q00015768
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £176.40

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Information and study skills for level 2

This course is essential for learners who are learning via online and using the Canvas as a virtual learning environment. The course will cover essential skills such as how to log onto the canvas, how to to upload assignments on the canvas, send emails using the canvas inbox and use zoom. This training equips you with essential skills on how to learn effectively using the canvas and zoom applications. By the end of the course, you'll be both confident and proficient in using the features on both the canvas and zoom to successfully complete your learning online. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 08/10/2024 -
Tue 19/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Kailash Parekh
Course code:
Q00015649
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £147.00

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 2)

Continue developing English skills to help you in work and everyday life situations. This functional skills English entry 2 course teaches you skills for reading, writing, and communicating in English. Learn how to improve your writing skills and build on the basic reading skills from entry 1. Adult English courses teach you practical communication skills to help you get a job or study. Develop your English skills through real-life situations. This course teaches you tools and resources to improve your use of English in new and familiar situations. These skills can help you succeed in your studies, professional situations, and social interactions. This 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 08/10/2024 -
Fri 20/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
22 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michelle Lee
Course code:
Q00018350
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

First steps into employment

Take your first steps towards employment with our comprehensive course. Develop essential skills and knowledge needed for job applications, interviews, and workplace success. Ideal for individuals seeking to enter the job market.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 08/10/2024 -
Tue 22/10/2024
Location:
The Priory 1101 (Great Yarmouth)
The Priory Centre
Priory Plain
Great Yarmouth
NR30 1NW
Course code:
Q00018645
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00