WEA courses

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 course presents all twenty-two “fables” of Robert Louis Stevenson, some as short as a few lines, others running to several pages, all of them challenging the reader with unexpected approaches to human life. We will read all the fables in six weeks, coming together on Zoom to share responses and questions, examine the literary merits and explore the ways the fables might enhance our understanding of ourselves and others we come into contact with day by day. There are podcasts for each fable to supplement our discussions, as well as space on the Canvas site to continue the Zoom discussions.

This course is funded by South Yorkshire Combined Authority.

This course focuses on bolstering confidence through practical English language skills necessary for daily interactions. Learners will engage in conversations relevant to various aspects of everyday life. The course aims to empower learners from diverse backgrounds, including those facing socio-economic challenges. Through targeted language instruction and confidence-building exercises, learners will develop essential linguistic abilities vital for active participation in their communities. Confidence in English is tailored for learners working towards accredited ESOL. This course is funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

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.

Gain essential knowledge for supporting students with special educational needs with our Introduction to Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) course. Learn about common SEND conditions and effective support strategies. Ideal for individuals working in or aspiring to work in educational support roles.

This micro course is designed for community learners who want to improve their job application success by learning how to tailor their CVs for different roles. In today’s competitive job market, it’s essential to highlight the skills and experience most relevant to each job you apply for, and this course will provide the practical skills to do just that. Throughout the session, learners will explore the key components of a CV, including personal statements, work experience, skills, and qualifications. The course will teach learners how to adapt each section of their CV to match the job description, ensuring they present themselves as the ideal candidate. Learners will also learn about using keywords from job adverts to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and how to format their CVs to make a lasting impression. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to customise their CVs confidently for each job application, improving their chances of securing interviews. This course is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their job application strategy and stand out to potential employers.

We will learn how to draw chosen animal portraits (students can get to draw their own pets or those of friends) in pencil, charcoal with white pastel for highlights, pen and coloured pencils and pastels. Advice will be given on materials, but please have a pencil, eraser and cartridge paper ready for the first session. Artists studied will be Durer, Rembrandt, Landseer, David Shepherd and Lucian Freud up to living masters and countless contemporary examples. Learn the thrilling skill of drawing animal portraits - achieve an ability to create a likeness, while developing your own style, in a supportive friendly group.

Discover the art of precision and creativity in our Sewing for Business Course. Dive into the fundamentals of machine sewing, mastering essential techniques and garment construction. From threading the needle to embellishing, you'll gain hands-on experience and the confidence to bring your design ideas to life. In parallel, embark on a beginner business journey, learning the basics of entrepreneurship for a sewing venture. Explore market trends, pricing strategies, and customer engagement to turn your passion into a profitable enterprise. Join us for a transformative learning experience that blends craftsmanship with entrepreneurial acumen, equipping you for success in the world of sewing and business.

To introduce students to painting in acrylics and take them to a higher level and begin to develop their skills. This course is accessible to beginners but also provides an ideal stepping stone towards intermediate levels. With step-by-step instructions, demonstrations and handouts, students can build their skills with confidence. Students are supported throughout the course by a process of constructive assessment. They will develop confidence in appraising their own work, engage in frequent discussions with their tutor and encourage each other through regular reviews and group critiques of projects. You will explore a variety of painting techniques whilst developing confidence and creative expression in visual form.