WEA courses

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities.  This short course will help you build the digital skills needed for everyday working life. You will learn how to use your smartphone, tablet or computer to communicate professionally using email and workplace messaging tools such as Teams. The course will also show you how to stay safe online by creating secure passwords and recognising trusted websites. You will practise organising important documents, such as certificates, and sharing them correctly. In addition, you will develop your ability to research workplace information independently. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident using digital tools for communication and completing tasks in a work environment.

This course is funded by the East Midlands Combined County Authority and is only available to residents living within the East Midlands Combined County Authority area. English for Everyday Life (Entry 1) helps learners develop basic English for daily communication. The course focuses on simple speaking, listening, reading and writing skills used in familiar situations such as shopping, travel, appointments and home routines. Learners practise short conversations, understand basic instructions, read simple words and sentences, and write short phrases. Activities are practical and confidence‑building, helping learners use English in real‑life situations. This course prepares learners for further ESOL study and progression to Entry 2 ESOL level courses such as Practical English Skills.

This course is funded by the Greater London Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Greater London Combined Authority area. Confidence Building is a friendly, supportive course designed to help you feel more confident in everyday life and work. You will explore self-belief, communication skills, and practical ways to manage nerves and negative thinking. The course can be tailored to your goals—whether you are returning to work, preparing for interviews, starting a small business, or wanting to improve your self-esteem. You will take part in activities such as group discussions, goal setting, role play, and simple planning tasks. Step by step, you will build your confidence, share experiences, and celebrate your progress in a safe and encouraging environment. By the end of the course, you will leave with practical skills and a personal action plan to help you take your next steps.

This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the West Midlands Combined Authority area. English for Work Readiness (Entry 3) develops the language needed for more complex everyday and work‑related communication. Learners practise taking part in discussions, understanding longer explanations, reading everyday documents and writing short paragraphs. The course builds confidence in communicating independently at home, in the community and in work‑related situations. Activities focus on real‑life tasks such as making arrangements, giving opinions, understanding procedures and writing clear messages. This course prepares learners for Level 1 ESOL course such as English for Work and Study or entry‑level employment.

This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the West Midlands Combined Authority area. English for Work and Study (Level 1) develops the language and study skills needed for more advanced communication in work, education and community settings. Learners practise taking part in extended discussions, understanding detailed explanations, reading longer texts and writing structured paragraphs. The course builds confidence in using English independently and accurately. Activities focus on real‑life tasks such as problem‑solving, presenting information, interpreting documents and writing for different purposes. This course prepares learners for Level 2 ESOL or further study.

This course is funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority area. English for Everyday Life (Entry 1) helps learners develop basic English for daily communication. The course focuses on simple speaking, listening, reading and writing skills used in familiar situations such as shopping, travel, appointments and home routines. Learners practise short conversations, understand basic instructions, read simple words and sentences, and write short phrases. Activities are practical and confidence‑building, helping learners use English in real‑life situations. This course prepares learners for further ESOL study and progression to Entry 2 ESOL level courses such as Practical English Skills.

This course is funded by the South Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the South Yorkshire Combined Authority area. English Conversation (Pre Entry) is a gentle introduction to speaking and listening for adults who are new to learning English. The course focuses on building confidence, recognising familiar words, and taking part in short, supported conversations. Learners practise simple greetings, everyday phrases and basic listening tasks in a relaxed, friendly environment. Activities use pictures, real life objects and guided practice to help learners communicate in familiar situations. This course is ideal for learners who need reassurance, confidence building and a positive first step before progressing to an Entry 1 ESOL level course such as English For Everyday Life.

This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the West Midlands Combined Authority area. English for Work Readiness (Entry 3) develops the language needed for more complex everyday and work‑related communication. Learners practise taking part in discussions, understanding longer explanations, reading everyday documents and writing short paragraphs. The course builds confidence in communicating independently at home, in the community and in work‑related situations. Activities focus on real‑life tasks such as making arrangements, giving opinions, understanding procedures and writing clear messages. This course prepares learners for Level 1 ESOL course such as English for Work and Study or entry‑level employment.

This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the West Midlands Combined Authority area. English for Work and Study (Level 1) develops the language and study skills needed for more advanced communication in work, education and community settings. Learners practise taking part in extended discussions, understanding detailed explanations, reading longer texts and writing structured paragraphs. The course builds confidence in using English independently and accurately. Activities focus on real‑life tasks such as problem‑solving, presenting information, interpreting documents and writing for different purposes. This course prepares learners for Level 2 ESOL or further study.

This course is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority area. There are many reasons to study this English functional skills course but you might be surprised to know that they’re not academic. Whether you want to feel more confident at public speaking or would like to study an apprenticeship or traineeship, this Level 2 English Functional Skills course can help you achieve your goals in a fun and practical way. Functional skills courses teach you English skills for learning, life, and work- not just to pass an exam. Enjoy the learning process as you watch your vocabulary grow, your spelling improve, and your confidence soar. If you’re fed up with academic courses and want to learn English in a practical and gratifying way, you won’t regret taking this English functional skills level 2 course. 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.