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 English (Level 1)

Develop skills to help you read, write, and communicate in English with confidence. Improved language skills open doors to work and study opportunities and help you learn key skills for employment. Level 1 functional skills courses are not like learning English at school. They’re created by adults for adults, and aim to teach you practical English skills through real-life situations. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills level 1 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. 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:
Tue 27/05/2025 -
Tue 29/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
20 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Rebecca Liaucius
Course code:
Q00021395
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list (Waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £203.50

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Level 1)

Develop skills to help you read, write, and communicate in English with confidence. Improved language skills open doors to work and study opportunities and help you learn key skills for employment. Level 1 functional skills courses are not like learning English at school. They’re created by adults for adults, and aim to teach you practical English skills through real-life situations. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills level 1 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. 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:
Tue 27/05/2025 -
Thu 31/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
20 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Shaheen Shah
Course code:
Q00022228
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Personal Development: Advanced Nail Treatments

This course is for those with some knowledge and build on it. You will cover advanced treatments for nails, costings and health & safety regulations for the treatments in a working salon environment.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 28/05/2025 -
Wed 02/07/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Face of Beauty Training
Keir Hardie Avenue
Gateshead
NE10 8EJ
Tutor:
Tracey Carver
Course code:
Q00022471
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.20

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:
Thu 29/05/2025 -
Thu 10/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
CGL Runcorn
1st Floor
75 High Street
Runcorn
North West
WA7 1AF
Tutor:
Neil Connaughton
Course code:
Q00021934
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Level 1 Award in Mental Health Awareness

This qualification is designed for learners looking to increase their knowledge & awareness of Mental Health & Well-Being. This qualification is to help you to develop your awareness of issues surrounding mental health and to become aware of the rights of those with mental health issues. The main objectives of this qualification are to: • raise awareness of the issues surrounding mental health Course Outline Accredited 2024-25 Mental Health Awareness Level 1 (Award) CACHE • dispel some of the myths and misconceptions frequently linked to mental health issues • develop learners’ knowledge of the rights of those with mental health issues This course will delivered either online, or in a face-to-face classroom environment, with a variety of Classroom activities and online learning activities through the Canvas platform, to assess learning for each module. The overall course will be assessed through the creation of a portfolio of evidence that meets awarding body criteria. A potential progression route after this course may be the “Stress Awareness Level 1 (Award) CACHE” or the “Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health Awareness NCFE CACHE” qualifications

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 29/05/2025 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jayne Evans
Course code:
Q00022405
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges

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:
Sat 31/05/2025 -
Wed 09/07/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Asia Bhatti
Course code:
Q00021533
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Diploma in Counselling Level 3

Talking therapies help people overcome anxiety, trauma, bereavement, and many other problems they may be facing in life. If you’re keen to learn how to support people through challenging times, this counselling training is right for you. The Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills gives you a solid understanding of theory and practical skills. Learn counselling skills you can apply in everyday life, be it for work or within a personal capacity. Counselling courses teach you fundamental skills employers look for. You’ll understand how to help others in a safe and constructive way. This course is right for you if you work in a role which requires counselling skills, or if you’re working towards accredited Counsellor Status.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 31/05/2025 -
Sat 03/01/2026
Times:
9:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
90 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Tracey Cohen
Course code:
Q00021897
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list (Waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £1134.00

Personal Development: Introduction to Eyes & Waxing

"Personal Care: An Introduction to Eyes and Waxing" is a beginner-level course designed for individuals interested in mastering the fundamentals of eye treatments and waxing techniques. This course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in enhancing the beauty of the eyes and effectively removing unwanted hair through various waxing methods. Participants will learn about eyebrow shaping, eyelash treatments, and different waxing techniques, ensuring they can perform these services with confidence and precision. The course takes place in a friendly and encouraging environment, supported by a specialist tutor and the team at WEA.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 02/06/2025 -
Mon 07/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
The Serenity Academy
20 High Street
Wath-on-Dearne
Rotherham
S63 7QG
Tutor:
Karen Hunter
Course code:
Q00018274
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.60

Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Entry 2)

Build up your basic maths skills to help you progress towards work and study opportunities. Adult maths teaches you practical skills for everyday life. This entry 2 functional skills maths course offers a practical way to learn maths as an adult. Understand maths through real-life situations. Functional skills maths entry 2 courses expand your understanding of basic calculations. This can help you learn to manage your personal budget and do other daily tasks. This entry 2 functional maths course is right for you if you want to build on your basic maths skills to work or study. It can help you show employers that you have the essential skills they look for. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades 4-9 or A*-C. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 02/06/2025 -
Mon 21/07/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
22 sessions
Location:
St Johns Centre (Manchester)
St Johns Road
Old Trafford
Manchester
M16 7GX
Tutor:
Frederick Agoh
Course code:
Q00015942
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Entry 2)

Build up your basic maths skills to help you progress towards work and study opportunities. Adult maths teaches you practical skills for everyday life. This entry 2 functional skills maths course offers a practical way to learn maths as an adult. Understand maths through real-life situations. Functional skills maths entry 2 courses expand your understanding of basic calculations. This can help you learn to manage your personal budget and do other daily tasks. This entry 2 functional maths course is right for you if you want to build on your basic maths skills to work or study. It can help you show employers that you have the essential skills they look for. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades 4-9 or A*-C. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 02/06/2025 -
Mon 21/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
22 sessions
Location:
St Johns Centre (Manchester)
St Johns Road
Old Trafford
Manchester
M16 7GX
Tutor:
Frederick Agoh
Course code:
Q00015943
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free