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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Award in Stress Awareness Level 1

Stress affects most people in the country at some point in life. Understanding the harmful effects of stress is essential to maintaining good mental health and well-being. This stress awareness course can help you recognise and deal with stress when it happens. This mental health awareness training helps you understand what you and others may be experiencing. It is also useful if you work in a support role such as mentor, counsellor, or carer. It will teach you important skills for care jobs if you want to work in adult social care.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 25/11/2024 -
Wed 27/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Veronica Hyde
Course code:
Q00016025
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

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. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority. If you would like to do the NCFE Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2 (Q00015525). You will first need to enrol on Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Information and study skills L2. Q00015649. You will then be asked to complete a BKSB Initial Assessment. If you have L1 English you will be offered the course.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 26/11/2024 -
Tue 29/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
19 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Kailash Parekh
Course code:
Q00015525
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Safeguarding and Prevent

Gain essential knowledge on safeguarding practices and the Prevent strategy with this course. Ideal for those working with vulnerable groups or in educational settings.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 26/11/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
WEA (Leicester)
101 Hinckley Road
Leicester
LE3 0TD
Tutor:
Mariam Sidat
Course code:
Q00017253
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

SCC Multiply-Get Ready for Functional Skills Maths

This 6-hour course, "Get Ready for Functional Maths," is designed to help you build confidence in everyday math skills. You'll learn how to solve practical problems using basic math, like adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. We'll cover topics such as working with percentages, fractions, and measurements, all with real-life examples. The course is perfect for those who want to improve their math for work, study, or daily tasks. By the end, you'll feel more prepared to tackle math in real-world situations. This course is suitable for beginners and anyone needing a refresher.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 26/11/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
9:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Clovelly Centre (Southampton)
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tutor:
Gillian Futcher
Course code:
Q00018719
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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 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:
Wed 27/11/2024 -
Wed 25/06/2025
Times:
9:30am - 3:00pm
Duration:
28 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00017469
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

WordPress for Intermediates

Enhance your website development skills with our WordPress for Intermediates course. Learn advanced techniques for designing and managing WordPress sites. Ideal for individuals with basic WordPress knowledge looking to take their skills to the next level.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 28/11/2024 -
Thu 30/01/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00018599
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Start your own small business

Learn the essentials of starting a small business with our Start Your Own Small Business course. Understand the basics of business planning, finance, and marketing. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their business ideas into reality.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 02/12/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Community Action Norfolk (Dereham)
Ambassador Way
Ambassador Way
Dereham
NR20 3TL
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00018623
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

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:
Mon 02/12/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00018569
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £29.60

Introduction to Teaching and Training

This practical course aims to provide students with an introduction to issues connected with learning, teaching, training and assessment of adults in a supportive environment. Participants are asked to prepare a short presentation as well as using self and peer evaluation.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 03/12/2024 -
Sat 05/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00017639
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Essential Digital Skills Level 1

Build your confidence using digital skills in your personal life and in the workplace. Understand how digital programmes and services can enhance your everyday life and simplify common tasks. Learn skills employers look for and improve your job prospects. If you’d like to learn digital skills for a better life, this course will teach you everything you need to know. This Level 1 digital skills course is suitable for improvers, as you will build upon your current digital device knowledge. Learn how to use the Microsoft Office programmes: create and edit text documents in Word, create spreadsheets and use number calculations in Excel, and use PowerPoint to create presentations. These are universal digital skills employers look for and can help you in a variety of job roles.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 05/12/2024 -
Fri 14/02/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
22 sessions
Location:
St Johns Centre (Manchester)
St Johns Road
Old Trafford
Manchester
M16 7GX
Tutor:
Linda Bennett
Course code:
Q00016109
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00