WEA courses

Life and Work in the UK introduces new arrivals to the essential language, knowledge and practical skills needed to settle confidently into everyday life and early work situations. The course supports Entry ESOL learners to understand key UK systems such as housing, healthcare, education and local services, while also exploring basic workplace expectations and routines. Learners develop simple English for asking for information, understanding written notices, completing short forms and describing personal experiences. Activities focus on real life tasks, cultural awareness and building confidence to navigate life and work in the UK more independently.

This course is funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority area. This interactive 2-hour taster session is designed to help participants develop confidence and professionalism when communicating over the telephone. Learners will explore the key principles of effective telephone communication, understand the importance of active listening, and practise techniques for building rapport, gathering information, and handling conversations with confidence. The session combines practical tips, discussion, and short activities to provide immediately applicable skills for the workplace.

Health for Everyone is a friendly and engaging two-hour taster course designed for ESOL learners who want to improve their English while learning about health and wellbeing. The course introduces everyday health topics, including healthy eating, exercise, sleep, mental wellbeing, and self-care. Learners will develop useful health-related vocabulary and practice speaking and listening skills through interactive activities, discussions, and group work in a supportive learning environment. The session also helps learners build confidence in accessing healthcare services in the UK. Participants will learn how to talk about common illnesses and symptoms, ask for help, and understand where to go for health advice, such as GP surgeries, pharmacies, NHS 111, and emergency services. By the end of the course, learners will feel more confident using English in health-related situations and making informed choices to support their wellbeing and that of their families. This course is funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority area.

This course is funded by the South Yorkshire Combined Authority and only available to residents living within the South Yorkshire Combined Authority area. This short, practical course is designed to give adult learners a helpful introduction to key employability and workplace skills. Whether you're thinking about returning to work, starting volunteering, or preparing for further training, this one-session course offers a supportive space to explore your next steps. In the session(s), you’ll gain insight into what employers look for, how to talk about your strengths, and how to present yourself with confidence. You’ll also explore essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, timekeeping, and problem-solving; skills that are valuable in any job or training environment.

This course is funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority area. Essential Skills for Work is a practical and engaging two-hour taster course designed for ESOL learners who want to build confidence and develop the key skills needed for employment. The course focuses on essential workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and professional behaviour. Learners will improve their English language skills while exploring what employers expect in the workplace. Through interactive activities, discussions, and real-life workplace scenarios, learners will gain a better understanding of how to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers, follow instructions, and present themselves professionally. By the end of the session, learners will feel more confident about taking the next steps towards employment, volunteering, further training, or career development.

This course is funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority area. English for Learning and Life is a pre‑entry course designed to help learners build the early language, confidence and study skills needed for everyday life in the UK and for progression to the Get Ready for ESOL course. Learners develop essential skills such as recognising familiar words, understanding simple classroom language, and using basic English to communicate needs in routine situations. The course introduces simple reading and writing tasks, supports learners to build confidence in group activities and helps them develop early learning habits. It provides a supportive first step for learners who are new to English or new to learning.

This course is funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority area. English for Learning and Life is a pre‑entry course designed to help learners build the early language, confidence and study skills needed for everyday life in the UK and for progression to the Get Ready for ESOL course. Learners develop essential skills such as recognising familiar words, understanding simple classroom language, and using basic English to communicate needs in routine situations. The course introduces simple reading and writing tasks, supports learners to build confidence in group activities and helps them develop early learning habits. It provides a supportive first step for learners who are new to English or new to learning.

This course is funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority area. English for Learning and Life is a pre‑entry course designed to help learners build the early language, confidence and study skills needed for everyday life in the UK and for progression to the Get Ready for ESOL course. Learners develop essential skills such as recognising familiar words, understanding simple classroom language, and using basic English to communicate needs in routine situations. The course introduces simple reading and writing tasks, supports learners to build confidence in group activities and helps them develop early learning habits. It provides a supportive first step for learners who are new to English or new to learning.

This course is funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority area. English for Learning and Life is a pre‑entry course designed to help learners build the early language, confidence and study skills needed for everyday life in the UK and for progression to the Get Ready for ESOL course. Learners develop essential skills such as recognising familiar words, understanding simple classroom language, and using basic English to communicate needs in routine situations. The course introduces simple reading and writing tasks, supports learners to build confidence in group activities and helps them develop early learning habits. It provides a supportive first step for learners who are new to English or new to learning.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities.  This course will help you understand what positive workplace behaviour looks like and why it is important. You will explore everyday situations that can cause problems at work, such as making a mistake, not understanding instructions or needing help. You will learn how to stay calm and communicate respectfully. You will practise responding to problems in a positive way. The course ends with a supportive workplace scenario, allowing you to demonstrate your learning and build confidence for starting or returning to work.