Information and advice on furthering your learning or your career
This page will help if you:
• Have finished a WEA course but are not sure what to do next
• Can't find a suitable WEA course
• Want help with finding a higher level course
• Want help with your career or with finding a job
• Would like more one-to-one advice or guidance
The first port of call may be your tutor, or to contact your Regional Office. However, there are many organisations that can help beyond the WEA.
Useful organisations:
Next Step
Next Step is the publicly funded national careers advice service for people over 19. It offers free comprehensive information and advice on learning and work, including CV building, careers "quizzes" and other activities and help.
Visit the Next Step website or contact the helpline free of charge on 0800 100 900. The helpline is open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. and can also give you local advice contact details.
Next Step also offers advice in community languages. Ask to be put through to an adviser who speaks your language.
DirectGov
The Government's main website that brings together information on all public services contains information on all aspects of adult learning and skills, and University and higher education. The site includes information on student finance and contacts details of other useful organisations.
If you need help with university entrance, contact UCAS.
Learndirect
Learndirect is a national educational and training organisation which also provides information and advice on gaining national qualifications. Their website includes course information, advice and further useful contacts.
University of the Third Age: U3A
The University of the Third Age website offers some online courses and links to local groups. It is a self-help organisation for people no longer in full time employment, which aims to provide educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment.
Further Education
There is a helpful database of all the education colleges in the UK on the British Council website. Many colleges offer free information, advice and guidance sessions as well as information about their courses.
Further information:
If you need further information to that listed here, the WEA produces a leaflet called 'What Next?' which provides more detailed information on some of the services listed here.