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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Pre Entry Essential Digital Skills: Digital Skills for Everyday Living

Does the thought of using digital technology leave you feeing out of touch and overwhelmed? Have you thought about gaining some digital skills but are not sure where to go? If ''yes'' then the new 'Digital Skills for Everyday Living: Beginners' course is for you. This exciting course, based in our Derby centre, for people with little or no experience of digital technologies will enable you to acquire the skills to become 'digitally literate' in everyday life and work. Our aim is to empower you to confidently engage with the digital world of laptops, smart phones, email, news, word processing, social media, entertainment, shopping and more.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 28/03/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
WEA (Derby)
The Mill
Lodge Lane
Derby
DE1 3HB
Tutor:
Andrew Roles
Course code:
Q00012039
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

Beginners Microsoft Word & PowerPoint

What would improved digital skills mean for your career or everyday life? No matter what your job role is, the chances are your day-to-day life would be easier with enhanced computer skills. This beginner’s Microsoft Office course will help you learn the basics of Word and PowerPoint. This knowledge can help you in a wide variety of routine situations. These can include creating CVs, helping your kids with their homework, or preparing presentations for family events.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 11/07/2024
Times:
12:15pm - 2:15pm
Duration:
23 sessions
Tutor:
Hansa Tailor
Course code:
Q00010434
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £251.60

Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People Level 2

f you enjoy working with children and young people, this childcare course can help you learn employability skills to work in this area. Get skills for your CV and gain confidence providing care for children in various settings. This course covers a range of childcare situations. You can study childcare and education, babysitting, or parenting responsibilities. It can help you decide if a career in child care is right for you. This is the ideal course for you if you want to turn a babysitting side job into a career. It’s also helpful for new parents getting to grips with parenting.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 09/05/2024
Times:
9:15am - 1:15pm
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Brinsworth Manor Junior School (Rotherha
Brinsworth Lane
Brinsworth
Rotherham
S60 5BX
Tutor:
Julie Berg
Course code:
Q00012600
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £362.00

Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People Level 2

If you enjoy working with children and young people, this childcare course can help you learn employability skills to work in this area. Get skills for your CV and gain confidence providing care for children in various settings. This course covers a range of childcare situations. You can study childcare and education, babysitting, or parenting responsibilities. It can help you decide if a career in child care is right for you. This is the ideal course for you if you want to turn a babysitting side job into a career. It’s also helpful for new parents getting to grips with parenting. This will be a Hybird course with 4 face-to-face sessions running in Norwich on 11th January, 8th February, 21st March and 18th July 2024 at the Norwich Central Baptist Church, Duke Street Norwich NR3 3AP

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00012512
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £362.00

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

Preparation for Work

This course is for South Tyneside ESOL residents only and free for any learner registered with CREST. Living in a new culture can be a positive, stimulating experience. It can also be very challenging. On this course you will learn about what to expect and how to settle into life in the UK and look for work. This course will offer opportunities to develop life skills such as team work, communication and time management and enhance your transferrable skills for life and work. You will have the opportunity to discuss your progress with the tutor and will be able to set your own personal learning goals. The course is intended to reduce loneliness and make people more confident, capable and more resilient.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 11/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
21 sessions
Location:
Crest (South Shields)
95 Fowler Street
South Shields
NE33 1NU
Tutor:
Hoda Darawsha
Course code:
Q00012506
How you'll learn:
In venue
Status:
Waiting list (Join waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Personal Development: Preparing for the Driving Theory Test

The course is for learners who either have some experience of driving in the UK or abroad or are interested in learning to drive in the UK but have limited experience. Do you have an overseas driving licence? Are you preparing to take the driving theory test? Or interested in starting to learn to drive in the UK? This course is for you if you have some experience of driving in the UK or abroad. You are equally welcome to join if you want to learn more about preparing to drive in the UK if you have limited driving experience. Our course is friendly and a safe environment to ask questions. You will help each other to practice through informal activities and discussions, helping you to develop your understanding.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 08/02/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Tutor:
Sally Kawamura
Course code:
Q00012196
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Personal Development: Beauty Therapies 2

This Beauty Therapies course is a comprehensive and specialised programme designed to develop your skills and knowledge in the field of beauty therapies. This course is suitable for anyone with a basic knowledge of the beauty industry.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 21/03/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Cortonwood Comeback Centre (Barnsley)
Old Chapel
Chapel Avenue, Brampton
Barnsley
S73 0XQ
Tutor:
Karen Hunter
Course code:
Q00012569
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

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:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 28/03/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Abakhan (Liverpool)
44 Stafford Street
Liverpool
L3 8LX
Tutor:
Amanda Meaghan
Course code:
Q00012880
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Introduction to SEND

This short course will introduce you to what is meant by special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The course will provide an initial understanding of the spectrum of autistic disorders and how they can affect people in a variety of ways, as well as exploring the importance of a person-centred approach to provide support. It’s important to be aware of the range of special needs you can encounter when dealing with others. Special needs education courses can help you understand what to expect and how to support all learning needs.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 22/02/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
7 sessions
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00012334
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £51.80

Award in Mental Health Awareness Level 1

If you’re interested in learning more about mental health issues, this level 1 course can teach you the foundational concepts. You’ll get a view into the nature of mental health work and the issues that face people struggling with it. Level 1 health and social care courses about mental health can teach you the basic principles of mental health care. If you enjoy this course you can continue your learning in this area. Mental health awareness training can help you understand if this area of work interests you.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 18/04/2024
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:
Q00013000
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00