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 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:
Mon 01/09/2025 -
Tue 16/12/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
30 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Asia Bhatti
Course code:
Q00022714
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £720.00

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:
Mon 01/09/2025 -
Tue 09/12/2025
Location:
Landport Community Centre (Portsmouth)
Charles Street
Portsmouth
PO1 1JD
Course code:
Q00023035
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £440.00

Essential Digital Skills (Entry 3)

Digital skills are increasingly in demand in modern society. Picking up essential 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 making videos. This Entry-level 3 digital skills 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. It's also suitable for people reentering the workforce after a long break.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 03/09/2025 -
Wed 03/12/2025
Times:
12:45pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Littlehampton Jobcentre (Littlehampton)
33 Church Street
Littlehampton
BN17 5ER
Tutor:
Gabriella Russo
Course code:
Q00022525
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £384.00

Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Level 2)

When you’re studying maths at school, it’s sometimes hard to see how you’ll use the skills in real life. All it takes is for someone to explain that ratios help you compare the prices of different products, percentages are used to split bills, and multiplication and division help you set a monthly budget. When you learn in context, it’s easy to see how functional maths is. This Functional Skills Maths Level 2 course is designed using real-life examples to help you improve your maths skills. If you find it easier to learn maths with practical examples, this is the course for you. 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 03/09/2025 -
Wed 10/12/2025
Times:
9:15am - 2:00pm
Duration:
14 sessions
Location:
St Ives Library (St. Ives)
Gabriel Street
St. Ives
TR26 2LX
Tutor:
Jo McIntosh
Course code:
Q00023843
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £440.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Get Ready for Functional Skills Maths Level 1

Progress to level 1 functional skills in maths. This course helps you learn the necessary maths skills to bridge the gap between entry 3 and level 1 functional maths. Gain numeracy skills for learning, life, and work. Get ready courses help you learn maths as an adult. These preparatory courses give you extra study time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need for level 1 maths. This is an adult maths course for people who are looking to progress to level 1 functional skills courses. It is not accredited.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 03/09/2025 -
Fri 07/11/2025
Times:
12:00pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
18 sessions
Location:
Holyoake House (Manchester)
Holyoake House
Hanover Street
Manchester
M60 0AS
Tutor:
Andy Dowd
Course code:
Q00023677
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £360.00

Get Ready for Functional Skills Maths Level 2

Are you progressing toward level 2 maths functional skills? If so, this course can prepare you for success at the final step. Learn the necessary maths skills to help you pass level 2 functional skills with flying colours. Get ready courses help you learn maths as an adult. This course gives you extra study time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need for level 2 maths and learn at your own pace. This is an adult maths course for people who are looking to progress to level 2 functional skills courses. It is not accredited.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 03/09/2025 -
Fri 07/11/2025
Times:
9:00am - 11:30am
Duration:
18 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Andy Dowd
Course code:
Q00022785
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £360.00

Intro to Microsoft Word

Get started with Microsoft Word in this beginner-friendly course. Whether you’re returning to work, helping children with homework, or just want to improve your digital skills, this course will help you build confidence using Word. You’ll learn how to create, format and save simple documents like letters, lists and posters. No previous experience is needed – just a willingness to learn in a supportive and practical environment.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 04/09/2025 -
Thu 13/11/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Whitehawk Inn (Brighton)
Whitehawk Road
Brighton
BN2 5NS
Tutor:
Jane Perrin
Course code:
Q00022831
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £200.00

Get Ready for Functional Skills Maths Level 2

Are you progressing toward level 2 maths functional skills? If so, this course can prepare you for success at the final step. Learn the necessary maths skills to help you pass level 2 functional skills with flying colours. Get ready courses help you learn maths as an adult. This course gives you extra study time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need for level 2 maths and learn at your own pace. This is an adult maths course for people who are looking to progress to level 2 functional skills courses. It is not accredited.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 04/09/2025 -
Thu 20/11/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Andy Dowd
Course code:
Q00023678
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £360.00

Confidence to Learn: Countries and Cultures

This course on countries and culture will explore the world in an engaging and accessible way. Students will learn about different countries, their traditions, foods, festivals, languages, and ways of life. Through various activities, music, art, and storytelling, learners gain a better understanding of global cultures and what makes each place unique. The course promotes curiosity, respect, and appreciation for diversity, helping students build confidence in sharing their own backgrounds and learning about others. It supports communication, social skills, and cultural awareness in a fun, inclusive learning environment.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 04/09/2025 -
Thu 18/12/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Moorland Community Centre (Lincoln)
Moorland Avenue
Lincoln
LN6 7NH
Tutor:
Sally Darlow
Course code:
Q00022997
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £240.00

Digital skills the essentials

Want to feel more confident using computers, the internet, or email? This course is the perfect starting point if you're new to digital technology or want to build your essential skills. In a supportive and friendly environment, you’ll learn how to use digital devices for everyday tasks – from sending emails and browsing the internet to staying safe online. No previous experience is needed – just bring your curiosity and willingness to learn.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 04/09/2025 -
Thu 13/11/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Whitehawk Inn (Brighton)
Whitehawk Road
Brighton
BN2 5NS
Tutor:
Jane Perrin
Course code:
Q00022829
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £200.00