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 Helping in Schools - Level 1

If you are thinking about a career in teaching, this introductory course is for you. Teaching assistants are an integral part of the classroom. Not only do they provide vital support for pupils, but they also support the teaching that takes place. This course is ideal if you would like to know more about working as a teaching assistant. The role varies widely with some specialising in certain areas of education such as literacy, numeracy, music, specific learning needs and other disability support, English as a second language or behaviour. Teaching assistants can be found in schools for Early Years right through to secondary schools, and the number of TAs in one school can vary widely depending on necessity and amount of funding provided. This course will give you information about working as a teaching assistant (also known as a classroom assistant, a pupil support assistant, a teacher's aide, or abbreviated as a TA) and how you can provide support to teachers by providing teaching and learning support in whatever way possible.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 11/10/2024 -
Fri 29/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Ann Tayler Children's Centre (Hackney)
1-13 Triangle Road
Off Westgate Street
Hackney
E8 3RP
Tutor:
Tracey Shackle
Course code:
Q00011648
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

Get ready for Work - Employability Skills

You must live in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire postcode areas to get this course free.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 11/10/2024 -
Fri 25/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Westwood Community Hub
Cross Keys House
31-35 Hampton Court
Westwood
Peterborough
PE3 7JB
Tutor:
Inna Gorobets
Course code:
Q00015774
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Computer skills for work

Develop essential computer skills for the workplace with our Computer Skills for Work course. Learn how to use common software applications and improve your digital literacy. Ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their employability in today's digital world.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 11/10/2024 -
Fri 01/11/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Norwich Central Baptist Church (Norwich)
Duke Street
Norwich
NR3 3AP
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00018621
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Professional Development: Employability Skills

Are you looking to upskill for employment? Then attend this course and boost your employability skills. 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 14/10/2024 -
Thu 17/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Seetec Pluss Bournemouth
G.01 & Meeting room 1a
Oxford Point
19 Oxford Road
Bournemouth
BH8 8GS
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017094
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £67.20

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 Mental Health Awareness Level 1

If you’re interested in learning more about mental health issues, this level 1 course can teach you the foundational concepts. You’ll get a view into the nature of mental health work and the issues that face people struggling with it. Level 1 health and social care courses about mental health can teach you the basic principles of mental health care. If you enjoy this course you can continue your learning in this area. Mental health awareness training can help you understand if this area of work interests you.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 14/10/2024 -
Tue 22/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Usma Khan
Course code:
Q00016010
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Professional Development: SWAP Introduction to retail

Prepare for a career in retail with our SWAP Introduction to Retail course. Learn essential skills and knowledge required to work in the retail sector. Ideal for individuals seeking to enter the retail industry or enhance their retail skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 14/10/2024 -
Fri 18/10/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Charles Burrell Centre
Staniforth Road
Thetford
IP24 3EA
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00018629
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

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:
Tue 15/10/2024 -
Thu 13/03/2025
Times:
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
36 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Martha Agyei
Course code:
Q00018674
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Introduction to Helping in a School Level 2

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our Introduction to Helping in a School Level 2 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:
Tue 15/10/2024 -
Tue 22/10/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00018528
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Safeguarding Adults

Vulnerable people are at higher risk of neglect and abuse. Training in safeguarding teaches you how to spot signs that someone may be at harm. It also helps you know what steps to take in case of reported or suspected abuse. This short safeguarding course gives you a view into safeguarding practices and the importance of protecting adults’ rights to live in safety.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 15/10/2024 -
Tue 12/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kailash Parekh
Course code:
Q00018566
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £29.60

Multiply Essex - How to be safe online

Are you interested in buying and selling online? This course looks at ways to keep safe online including how to avoid online scams and delivery fraud. We focus on what you need to consider when selling your own items online covering topics such as taking photos and pricing appropriately. We also look at some marketing techniques that are used to encourage people to make a purchase. Your rights as a buyer forms part of the course as does how to work out if something is a genuine bargain or not.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 16/10/2024 -
Wed 23/10/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00018837
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free