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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Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Introduction to support work in schools and colleges

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our Introduction to Support Work in Schools and Colleges 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:
Thu 09/01/2025 -
Thu 09/01/2025
Location:
Ipswich County Library
Northgate Street
Ipswich
IP1 3DE
Course code:
Q00019001
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.50

Personal dvelopment: Gaining Confidence to Sign

This exciting learning opportunity is intended to help the participants to gain knowledge and confidence in using BSL. The intention is learning for further education, community engagement and possibly employment. The skills learnt on this course may help someone looking to secure employment in a school/college setting to learn some basic greetings to enable them to communicate at a basic level with someone in the deaf community. This course will be taught for 7 weeks in 2 hour sessions and will total 14 guided learning hours. The learning will take place at St Marys Community Centre Pontefract.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 09/01/2025 -
Thu 27/02/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
St Marys Community Centre (PONTEFRACT)
The Circle
Chequerfield
PONTEFRACT
WF8 2AY
Tutor:
Caroline Cleghorn
Course code:
Q00019978
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 3)

Continue developing your English skills to open doors to work and study opportunities. This entry 3 functional skills course helps you learn English skills employers look for. Gain practical skills to improve your reading, writing, and verbal communication in English. 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 entry 3 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:
Thu 09/01/2025 -
Fri 21/03/2025
Times:
1:30pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
20 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Tabitha Allsop
Course code:
Q00020001
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Essential Digital Skills (Entry 3)

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:
Fri 10/01/2025 -
Fri 21/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:00pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
WEA (Leicester)
101 Hinckley Road
Leicester
LE3 0TD
Tutor:
Nutan Ramji
Course code:
Q00010363
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Employability & Skills: TBC

Attend our Employability course and boost your skills for work. If you’re entering the workforce for the first time or after a long break, this course can teach you essential skills employers look for and prepare you for the transition. Learn basic skills for jobs in any sector as well as key soft skills for your CV. Feel confident stepping into the workforce. This course will provide you with the soft skills required to get that job and give you the confidence and self esteem to sell what you have to offer to potential employers. Learning will take place in a relaxed environment with other like-minded learners, led by our expert tutor.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 10/01/2025 -
Fri 31/01/2025
Times:
10:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ayman Ali
Course code:
Q00016667
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Personal Development: Introduction to Counselling

Explore the fundamentals of counselling with our Introduction to Counselling course. Learn essential skills and techniques used in the counselling profession. Ideal for individuals considering a career in counselling or looking to enhance their interpersonal skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 10/01/2025 -
Fri 31/01/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Sasha Dineen
Course code:
Q00019017
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Entry 3)

Take your maths skills to the next level to help you with work or study opportunities. Adult maths teaches you practical numeracy skills for everyday life. This entry 3 functional skills maths course offers a practical way to learn maths as an adult. Functional skills maths courses aren’t like studying maths at school. You’ll learn maths in context. Develop maths skills to face real-life situations such as organising your personal budget or applying discounts when shopping. This entry 3 functional maths course is right for you if you want to enhance your maths skills to work or study. It can help you learn essential maths skills employers look for. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades 4-9 or A*-C. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 10/01/2025 -
Fri 06/06/2025
Location:
The Manchester Deaf Centre (MANCHESTER)
Crawford House
Booth Street East
MANCHESTER
M13 9GH
Course code:
Q00015941
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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 13/01/2025 -
Thu 22/05/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
45 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00010847
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £333.00

Textiles and Fashion: Textiles for Self Employment

Welcome to the Textiles for Self-Employment Course! This course is for those who want to start a business in textiles and sewing. You will learn how to create and sell your own textile products. We will teach you about choosing fabrics, designing items, and advanced sewing techniques. You will also learn about pricing, marketing, and selling your products. Our experienced tutor will guide you through each step. By the end of the course, you will have the skills and knowledge to start your own textiles business and become self-employed. Join us and turn your passion into a career!

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 03/02/2025
Times:
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Clovelly Centre (Southampton)
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tutor:
Tracey Sweetman
Course code:
Q00017058
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.20

Multiply: Get Ready for Functional Skills Exams

This course will help you progress to a Functional Skills Maths qualification. This course helps you learn the necessary maths skills to bridge the gap between entry level and Level 1 and Level 2 functional maths. Gain numeracy skills for learning, life, and work. This Multiply course helps you learn Maths as an adult. These preparatory courses give you extra study time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need. This is an adult maths course for people who are looking to progress to Level 1 or Level 2 functional skills courses. It is not accredited.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00012313
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free