Supporting when looking for work 

Personal development can mean a lot of different things. Our courses can help you develop the skills and confidence you need to make the most of your potential. Our adult education classes can also help you grow in your current job and help you reach your goals. 

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Looking for work? Start here

If you are looking for work and want to get started, we have short courses to help you find work. We run free course * on CV writing, job hunting and interviews. We’re here to help you reach your potential. From starting to explore your options to learning how to successfully apply for jobs. Our personal development courses help you take positive steps towards your dream job.

Stand out from the crowd

To stand out in the crowd and improve your employability, our tutors offer friendly support to meet your needs. You can talk to your tutor about your goals and identify the steps you need to take to get into the job you want.  Whether an online course or in person, our tutors are here to ensure you succeed. 

Already in work?

If you’re already in work and want to gain new skills and confidence or improve your wellbeing at work, our courses can help. Our adult education skills courses help you clarify your goals and find a clear path to reaching your potential.

*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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Professional Development: Intermediate Digital Skills for Work

Canvas courses teach you digital skills to learn online. Gain technology skills to take WEA online courses with confidence. Get the most out of WEA courses. Course description Studying online is a fun and effective way to learn. This course will teach you to use Canvas so that you can get the most out of WEA courses. You’ll learn digital skills to support you to study WEA online courses
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 08/02/2024
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Maximus UK
3rd Floor
10 Temple Street
Birmingham
B2 5BN
Tutor:
Ekta Vishrolia
Course code:
Q00012174
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Preparation for Work

Have you relocated to the UK recently and are struggling to settle down? Living in a new culture can be a positive, stimulating experience. It can also be very challenging. This is a course for people who want to know more about British culture, NHS, schools and education, legal aid, system of entitlements and benefits. On this course you will learn about what to expect and how to settle into life in the UK and look for work. This course is for South Tyneside ESOL residents only and free for any learners registered with CREST.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 12/01/2024 -
Fri 12/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
21 sessions
Location:
Crest (South Shields)
95 Fowler Street
South Shields
NE33 1NU
Tutor:
Hoda Darawsha
Course code:
Q00012530
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Personal Development: Introduction to Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND)

Do you work in an education setting with pupils who have special educational needs and disabilities – or are you interested in pursuing this as a career? This course will help increase your knowledge or to see if this could be the right career path for you. In this course learners will find out about the range of special needs that are commonly found in an educational setting and strategies that are used to help every pupil be as happy and successful as possible.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 12/01/2024 -
Fri 16/02/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Norwich Central Baptist Church (Norwich)
Duke Street
Norwich
NR3 3AP
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00012906
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Professional Development: Writing a CV

Are you unsure of how to create a compelling CV that stands out from the crowd and helps you to secure that much needed job interview? If so, then the WEA’s new CV Writing course has been tailored to help you enhance your job application skills by providing practical guidance on creating impactful CVs. You will learn the art of presenting your experience and accomplishments effectively, ensuring that your CV reflects your unique strengths in the most positive light possible. Arousing the curiosity of employers is your goal and this course will ultimately help you to elevate your professional profile and open doors to new opportunities. Please join us at the WEA to unlock the secrets of impactful CV writing and work towards a brighter future!
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/01/2024 -
Mon 18/03/2024
Times:
11:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
Sneinton Community CIC
Edale Road
Sneinton
Nottingham
NG2 4HT
Tutor:
Andrew Roles
Course code:
Q00012786
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.80

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!

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

Personal Development: Next Steps Philosophy - Philosophies of Truth

We make judgements in everyday life about telling the truth - and its opposites - lying, pretending, manipulating ... But what does "telling the truth" mean? Is truth reality "out there", independent of our perceptions or the language we use? or is the truth what we perceive and how we talk about reality? and how do we use "true" when we claim that a statement is true or that someone is true to himself/herself? Philosophers have thought about these questions for a long time, and this course gives you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with their theories.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/01/2024 -
Mon 18/03/2024
Times:
9:00am - 11:00am
Duration:
9 sessions
Tutor:
Bettina Lange
Course code:
Q00012812
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £66.60

Personal Development: Philosophy: How to think like a Philosopher

Philosophy has a reputation for being ‘difficult’ or only for very clever people. Philosophical thinking does need practice – but like physical exercise, the more you use the (thinking) muscles, the easier it becomes. This nine week online course suitable for beginners is an opportunity to learn and practice philosophical skills including how to examine assumptions people make. The course will also give you an insight into the kind of questions philosophers ask – questions about the nature of reality or about morality. You will be encouraged to practice asking questions you have in a more philosophical way. Topics will include issues such as the philosophical meaning of “argument”; and how to analyse assumptions underlying people’s judgements (and your own).
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/01/2024 -
Mon 18/03/2024
Times:
4:45pm - 6:45pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Tutor:
Bettina Lange
Course code:
Q00012925
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £66.60

Professional Development: Interview & Presentation Skills

Does the thought of attending job interviews and giving presentations leave you feeling anxious? Do you feel that you lack the necessary confidence to do these things well? You are not alone! The WEA’s new Interview and Presentation Skills course has been specifically designed to help you rise to the challenges presented by these and other important events in the world of employment. Throughout the duration of the course we will explore effective strategies to help you to articulate your ideas, answer challenging questions, and deliver compelling presentations. Practical exercises, personalised feedback, and insights gained from the experiences of many people will all help you to feel that you are in control when it’s time for that all-important interview or presentation.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 16/01/2024 -
Tue 19/03/2024
Times:
11:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
Sneinton Community CIC
Edale Road
Sneinton
Nottingham
NG2 4HT
Tutor:
Miriam Hiebert
Course code:
Q00012787
How you'll learn:
In venue
Status:
Waiting list (Join waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £37.80

First Aid for Adults

Emergency situations do not usually announce themselves. That is why being prepared to face them at any moment is crucial. Taking a first aid course can help you save the life of a friend, family member, or even a stranger in the street. This adult first aid course teaches you the basics of the essential life-saving skills to use in an emergency. It can mean the difference between life and death in the time it takes for emergency services to arrive. This first aid course is suitable for all adults. You will learn about anaphylaxis, issues with circulation and how to handle burns. Please be aware this course only courses the online theory behind adult first aid and what to do in an emergency. This course would be a great introduction to first aid before you go on to complete a full course.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 16/01/2024 -
Tue 16/01/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Tutor:
Zoe Shelley
Course code:
Q00009505
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10

Professional Development: How to Manage Conflict and Difficult Conversations

Do you avoid certain conversations because they might be difficult to have? What might be the effect of this behaviour on you and others at work or at home? All of us tend to stick to certain patterns in communicating and some of these might be ineffective in some circumstances. Find out what your natural style is and investigate whether other styles might be more effective with the conversations you would like to have. Learn to use a simple framework to make sure your view come across and investigate how to avoid some of the common pitfalls in communication. Join this course to practice effective strategies to manage conflict and have more productive conversations.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 17/01/2024 -
Wed 17/01/2024
Times:
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00012170
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10

Personal Development: Pre Entry Language @ Work

This basic course will introduce learners to the world at work and the language needed to enter it. The course has been developed in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council which refers learners to this and other programmes hosted at the Old School, which is a community centre run by Blakenhall Action Community Forum. This course is particularly suitable for students are unemployed and have been referred by Job Centres to improve their spoken and written English and thereby get closer to the job market.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 17/01/2024 -
Fri 22/03/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
The Old School Building (Wolverhampton)
The Old School
73 Dudley Road
Wolverhampton
WV2 3BY
Tutor:
Saima Gulzar
Course code:
Q00013123
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00