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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Beginners Excel and Spreadsheets

Did you know you can use spreadsheets to make hundreds of everyday tasks easier? You can use them to efficiently keep track of job applications, birthday lists, inventories of collectible items, or anything else. Never opened a spreadsheet in your life? Don’t worry. This is an Excel course for beginners, and we’ll cover all the basics. This beginner’s Excel course aims to teach you computer skills for everyday life.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 23/01/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Tutor:
Gillian Futcher
Course code:
Q00009891
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £22.20

Pre-Entry Digital Skills

Learn to use digital devices and gain essential computer skills for professional and personal use. Digital training helps you move with the times and not get left behind. This beginner’s course is for anyone who wants to learn digital skills, no matter your current knowledge. This course is appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is all new to you. Learn to use word processing software and fill out online forms in this Digital Skills course. Understand how to use email and search for information online. This digital skills training also teaches you how to shop online securely. You’ll understand online safety and data storage

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 20/03/2024
Times:
12:15pm - 2:15pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Tutor:
Hansa Tailor
Course code:
Q00010436
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

Preparation for work at Journey

This course is specifically tailored for adults with learning disabilities who are participants at a Journey Enterprises Day Centre. The primary goal of this Preparation for Work course is to nurture personal, social, and communication skills among the learners. The curriculum focuses on enhancing social and academic confidence while also honing employability skills. In this inclusive and supportive learning environment, learners have the opportunity to acquire valuable skills, knowledge, and personal insights that will not only improve their employability but also contribute to their overall health and wellbeing. This course aims to empower individuals with learning disabilities, enabling them to lead more fulfilling and independent lives.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 10/07/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
22 sessions
Location:
Journey Enterprises - Acomb (Hexham)
Network House
11 Acomb Industrial Estate, Ac
Hexham
NE46 4SA
Tutor:
Kelly Ness
Course code:
Q00012658
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Sewing for Business

Discover the art of precision and creativity in our Sewing for Business Course. Dive into the fundamentals of machine sewing, mastering essential techniques and garment construction. From threading the needle to embellishing, you'll gain hands-on experience and the confidence to bring your design ideas to life. In parallel, embark on a beginner business journey, learning the basics of entrepreneurship for a sewing venture. Explore market trends, pricing strategies, and customer engagement to turn your passion into a profitable enterprise. Join us for a transformative learning experience that blends craftsmanship with entrepreneurial acumen, equipping you for success in the world of sewing and business.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 27/03/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Abakhan (Liverpool)
44 Stafford Street
Liverpool
L3 8LX
Tutor:
Amanda Meaghan
Course code:
Q00012879
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

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:
WEA Membership

Professional Development: Assertiveness and Imposter Syndrome

Do you sometimes feel frustrated that you are not communicating to others effectively and your views are not taken into account? Why is acting assertively so difficult, and what are the barriers for us? We will be looking at what we mean by assertive behaviour and how we can recognise and celebrate this. Investigating our own personal barriers to assertive behaviour will allow us to start to identify personal barriers, and considering ‘imposter syndrome’ allow us to start to counter any feelings of this type that we experience. How can we put our point of view making clear our own views while still respecting the views and needs of others. If you would like to find out more this course is for you.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 10/01/2024
Times:
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00012171
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Early Years Numeracy and Literacy

In this course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of supporting numeracy and literacy development in children under the age of 5. They will acquire a toolkit of effective strategies aimed at enhancing children's comprehension of mathematical concepts, as well as fostering speech, language, and literacy skills. Learners will explore how to use games and activities to make learning mathematics and literacy an enjoyable and engaging experience for children. By the course's conclusion, learners will be well-prepared to employ these practical tools, ensuring that young children not only develop strong foundational skills in math and literacy but also find these subjects fun and engaging.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 31/01/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Norwich Central Baptist Church (Norwich)
Duke Street
Norwich
NR3 3AP
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00012685
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 24/04/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
The Forum (Norwich)
Millennium Plain
Norwich
NR2 1TF
Tutor:
Nicky Turner
Course code:
Q00012919
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

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:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 17/04/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Carr Bridge Community Centre (Wirral)
Carr Bridge Road
Wirral
CH49 8EU
Tutor:
Laura Walsh
Course code:
Q00012999
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Professional Development: Introduction to Counselling

To explore the basics of counselling and the profession and discuss how skills in counselling could support interactions in the workplace. This course focuses on an understanding of counselling and developing practical skills. The importance of counselling for the wellbeing of individuals and society is being increasingly recognised. You will be introduced to the nature of counselling and learn and practice active listening skills such as reflecting, paraphrasing, summarising, and giving feedback. The course is aimed at anyone who may be considering either a career in counselling, or wanting to develop valuable helping and listening skills, as well as anyone interested in developing self-awareness.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Thu 01/02/2024
Times:
10:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
NST Hub (North Somerset Training Communi
31 Alexandra Parade
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 1QZ
Tutor:
Katie Dexter
Course code:
Q00013261
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Functional Skills English

Get an English qualification to help you access a variety of work and study options. Functional skills courses in English teach you to read, write, and communicate confidently in English. Functional skills English isn’t like learning English at school. This is an English course for adults created by adults. Develop practical English skills by learning language in context.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 06/06/2024
Course code:
P00000004
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free