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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Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Level 1)

Work towards GCSE-level maths skills with this functional skills level 1 course. Progress your maths skills to help you access work and study opportunities. Functional maths improves your numeracy skills through real-life situations. Learn maths in context. Develop practical maths skills to help you in everyday situations such as organising your personal budget or applying discounts when shopping. This level 1 functional skills maths course can help you get a GCSE-equivalent qualification in maths. You’ll learn practical maths skills employers look for. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 30/10/2024 -
Thu 06/02/2025
Times:
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
26 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Isbah Tehreem
Course code:
Q00011617
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Personal Development: Confidence Building for Digital Skills

Digital skills are increasingly in demand in modern society. Picking up basic 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 using the internet This 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 30/10/2024 -
Wed 04/12/2024
Times:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Downtown
Charter Walk
Burnley
BB11 1AE
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00019518
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Step into Care

The "Step Into Care" level 1 study program is designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills for individuals pursuing a career in the care sector. Covering essential topics such as working in care, mental health awareness, stress awareness, infection prevention and control, and CV and interview preparation, this comprehensive program equips learners with the tools needed to succeed in social care roles. Ideal for beginners, this program fosters both personal and professional development in a supportive learning environment. This course is in partnership with the DWP and upon successful completion of the course you will be invited to an interview for a potential job role within care.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Location:
Hull CVS
The Strand
75 Beverley Road
Hull
HU3 1XL
Course code:
P00000099
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Understanding the Role of a Community Interpreter

Are you bilingual? Ever thought about using your language skills to help out in the community? Did you know you can get many jobs with languages? If you speak English and another language fluently, you could make a great community interpreter. This community interpreter course gives you an introduction to the language and interpreting skills needed for this type of work. It can teach you foundational concepts to test your community interpreting skills informally with family or friends. This course can prepare you to help members of your family or community to overcome language barriers in their everyday lives. It can also help you decide if you’re interested in pursuing community interpreting jobs. There will be once face to face session on 13th February at at venue TBC. This course is for Greater Peterborough and Cambridgeshire only. You must live in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire postcode areas to get this course free.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Olena Kolesnyk
Course code:
Q00010877
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

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!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Beginners Blogging: How to create a Blog

Starting a blog is easier than you think. If you have ideas, tips, or recommendations to share, this short blogging course can teach you the essentials to get your blog online. This beginner’s blogging course covers essential lessons in both writing and setting up your blog. You’ll learn creative writing techniques to make your blogs engaging, and digital skills to make sure you can set up and maintain your site. This course is aimed at beginners, so don’t worry if this is new to you. This beginners blogging course covers the basics of launching a blog. Become familiar with the Content Management System (CMS) where you will upload your blog. You will also receive CMS training to teach you how to set up and maintain your website. Learn to publish and promote your blog.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 02/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Peter Brown
Course code:
Q00017645
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

GMCA Care Certificate and Interview Success (Step into Care)

This is a pre-employment programme delivered online that is designed to support you into work within Adult Social Care. The programme will help you to prepare for work in a care setting. The programme consists of up to three elements: GMCA Care Certificate (where you will cover the theory elements of the Care Certificate), L1 Stress Awareness and L1 Mental Health Awareness (additional accredited courses you can join if suitable). Once you have completed the course with WEA, GM Careers will place you for a working interview in a social care setting. This is designed like a working interview, to give you the opportunity to try out the working environment.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Fri 06/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
50 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Susan Bell
Course code:
Q00015990
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Pre-Entry Maths

Feeling unsure about basic math? This beginner-friendly course provides a solid foundation in essential numeracy skills. Gain confidence with everyday calculations, refresh your memory on fractions and decimals, and build a strong foundation for future learning. This course is your stepping stone to a more confident and numerate you!

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 1:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Tunstall Library (Stoke-on-Trent)
Tunstall Library
The Boulevard
Stoke-on-Trent
ST6 6BD
Tutor:
Tabitha Allsop
Course code:
Q00016595
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £73.50

Award in Preparing to Work in Schools Level 1

Get a view into the enriching world of teaching and learning. If you’d like to work in a school, with kids or in an admin role, this course is the perfect first step. Whether you plan to get a teaching qualification or just want a taster into the school environment, this course can teach you essential skills employers look for in school staff. In this course you’ll learn foundational concepts for working in a learning environment. It can help you decide whether a job at a school is right for you

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Location:
St Andrews St Baptist Ch (Cambridge)
43 St. Andrews Street
Cambridge
CB2 3AR
Course code:
Q00015749
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Navigating Digital Information Multiply

Improve your digital literacy with our Navigating Digital Information Multiply course. Learn how to find, evaluate, and use digital information effectively. Ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their digital skills for personal and professional use. This course, funded through Multiply in Portsmouth, is designed to empower individuals with essential everyday life skills. Learners will engage in practical sessions that cover a range of topics including budgeting, art, digital literacy, and effective communication. The course emphasises hands-on learning and real-world applications to enhance independence and confidence. Whether you’re looking to improve your financial management, learn new skills, navigate technology, or boost your interpersonal skills, this course provides the tools and support to thrive in daily life.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 09/12/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Somerstown Central Community Hub (Souths
Rivers Street
Somerstown
Southsea
PO5 4EY
Tutor:
Gillian Futcher
Course code:
Q00017145
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Professional Development: SWAP Introduction to Customer Service with AVIVA

Prepare for a career in customer service with our SWAP Introduction to Customer Service with AVIVA course. Learn essential skills and knowledge required to excel in customer service roles. Ideal for individuals seeking to enter the customer service industry or enhance their customer service skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Fri 08/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Seetec Pluss (Norwich)
1st Floor
Cavell House
Stannard Place
Norwich
NR3 1YE
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00018631
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00