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 Counselling

This is an introductory short course to help you begin your journey into counselling and therapeutic skills. The course will cover insightful exercises, tutor-led discussions, and reflections to build your skills and self-awareness. This course is not only for those interested in a counselling career but is also excellent for those wishing to develop skills when working in person-facing roles. You will learn about the nature of counselling and The practice of listening skills, including reflecting, paraphrasing, summarising, and giving feedback. You will also consider professionalism, especially the importance of boundaries, transference, working with diversity and difference, as well as codes and ethics.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Times:
11:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
NST Hub (North Somerset Training Communi
31 Alexandra Parade
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 1QZ
Tutor:
Katie Dexter
Course code:
Q00018085
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £252.00

Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Level 1)

Work towards GCSE-level maths skills with this functional skills level 1 course. Progress your maths skills to help you access work and study opportunities. Functional maths improves your numeracy skills through real-life situations. Learn maths in context. Develop practical maths skills to help you in everyday situations such as organising your personal budget or applying discounts when shopping. This level 1 functional skills maths course can help you get a GCSE-equivalent qualification in maths. You’ll learn practical maths skills employers look for. 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. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 02/05/2025 -
Fri 18/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Humera Mehrban
Course code:
Q00015539
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Employability & Skills: Effective Employment Skills

Develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace with our Employability & Skills: Effective Employment Skills course. Learn how to communicate effectively, manage time, and work as part of a team. Ideal for individuals looking to enhance their employability.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 02/05/2025 -
Fri 23/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
St James city Farm Cafe
23 Albany Street
Gloucester
GL1 4NG
Tutor:
Andrew Vincent
Course code:
Q00017806
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

WordPress for Intermediates

Enhance your website development skills with our WordPress for Intermediates course. Learn advanced techniques for designing and managing WordPress sites. Ideal for individuals with basic WordPress knowledge looking to take their skills to the next level.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 02/05/2025 -
Fri 04/07/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00018911
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

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: Health and Safety at Work

Welcome to the comprehensive Health and Safety at Work course! This 6-week program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote a safe and healthy working environment. Whether you are an employee, manager, or business owner, this course will provide you with essential insights and practical tools to ensure workplace safety. Throughout the program, you will delve into various topics related to health and safety, including risk assessment, hazard identification, emergency preparedness, and legal obligations. By exploring these areas, you will develop a solid understanding of the key principles and best practices that underpin a safe work environment. Join us on this journey of empowerment, where learning becomes an adventure, and each skill acquired is a step towards creating a safer, more resilient family unit. Enroll now and be part of a community that values your well-being and believes in the power of self-care for a brighter, more confident future.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 06/05/2025 -
Tue 22/07/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017090
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £63.00

Personal Development: Future Goals

Do you want to delve into the world of fashion and explore how a garment is developed from initial design through to the finished product by drafting a skirt pattern to your own personal body measurements and developing your sewing skills to create a finished skirt. / If fabrics, sewing machines and the passion to make beautiful clothes that fit plus an insight into garment manufacturing is your thing, then come and join us and explore the world of sewing and pattern cutting.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 07/05/2025 -
Wed 11/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
The Old School Building (Wolverhampton)
The Old School
73 Dudley Road
Wolverhampton
WV2 3BY
Tutor:
Jayne Evans
Course code:
Q00015679
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Heath and Social Care: Introduction to autism and neurodiversity for support staff

Gain a deeper understanding of autism and neurodiversity with our Heath and Social Care: Introduction to Autism and Neurodiversity for Support Staff course. Learn how to provide effective support for individuals with neurodiverse conditions. Ideal for support staff and caregivers.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 08/05/2025 -
Thu 08/05/2025
Location:
Camborne Community Centre (Camborne)
South Terrace
Camborne
TR14 8SU
Course code:
Q00018080
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£25.20

Digital Skills for Everyday Living - Intermediate

Build on your digital literacy skills with our Digital Skills for Everyday Living: Intermediate course. Learn more advanced techniques for using computers, navigating the internet, and understanding essential software applications. Ideal for individuals with basic digital skills looking to enhance their proficiency.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 09/05/2025 -
Fri 27/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Community Action Norfolk (Dereham)
Ambassador Way
Ambassador Way
Dereham
NR20 3TL
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00018912
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Step into Work

"Step Into Work" is a comprehensive program designed to equip you with the essential skills needed for job hunting. This course covers writing effective cover letters, creating standout CVs, and mastering interview techniques. Through practical workshops and expert guidance, you'll learn how to present yourself confidently to potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job you desire. This course will help you examine your current skills and qualities and how they transfer to job related tasks. You’ll need access to the internet to take this ‘Step into Work’ program as our tutors use the WEA’s digital learning portal, Canvas, to send you important information and tasks.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 12/05/2025 -
Thu 22/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
C00000007
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Personal Development: Mind at Work

This course is put on in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council and Job Centre Plus. Are you unemployed and looking for work but experiencing mental health issues? These might include, but not be limited to, stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks or post traumatic stress. This free support programme will help you to cope better with these challenges and discover techniques and strategies to use in every day life. There is an information and registration day on Monday, 15 April 10am-12pm. Please bring photo ID. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 12/05/2025 -
Mon 14/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
The Old School Building (Wolverhampton)
The Old School
73 Dudley Road
Wolverhampton
WV2 3BY
Tutor:
Jayne Evans
Course code:
Q00015678
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00