WEA courses

Are you looking for functional skills English courses for free? You can boost your maths and English skills with a government-funded course at the WEA. If you are over 19 and don’t have an English GCSE at C or Grade 4, then you can study for free.  Not having a qualification in English can hold you back. In many cases, you will need it for apprenticeships or to get a job. Maybe you want to ace your GCSE retakes but the idea of going back to school fills you with dread. Or you want a level 2 qualification, but you don’t want to do GCSEs again. This is where the WEA comes in.  We’re not like a school or a college; we’re adult learning specialists. Our English functional skills classes help you build on the skills that you use every day. We make our courses fun and easy to learn.

Are you looking for functional skills maths courses for free?  You can boost your maths and maths skills with a government-funded course at the WEA. If you are over 19 and don’t have an English GCSE at C or Grade 4, then you can study for free.  Not having a qualification in maths can hold you back. In many cases, you will need it for apprenticeships or to get a job. Maybe you want to ace your GCSE retakes but the idea of going back to school fills you with dread. Or you want a level 2 qualification, but you don’t want to do GCSEs again. This is where the WEA comes in.  We’re not like a school or a college; we’re adult learning specialists. Our maths functional skills classes help you build on the skills that you use every day. We make our courses fun and easy to learn.

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. Communicating Confidently (Digital) – 2-Hour Online Taster - Introduction to confident digital communication - Understanding tone and clarity in written messages - Common pitfalls in email, chat, and online platforms - Writing clear, concise, and professional emails - Best practices for Teams/chat messaging - Adapting communication style for different audiences and situations - Managing tone to avoid misunderstandings online - Building confidence in virtual conversations and responses - Effective participation in online meetings and discussions - Tips for staying professional and authentic in digital spaces - Practical exercises using real-life digital scenarios - Actions to improve day-to-day digital communication immediately

This 60 GLH course supports adults to start or progress a career in construction. It begins with an initial assessment to identify each learner’s strengths, goals, and any barriers to learning or employment. From this, an individual learning plan is created with clear, achievable targets and agreed support. Learners will gain an introduction to construction, exploring the skills, knowledge, and job roles available. Employability skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are embedded and linked to real employer vacancies. The course includes the Ascentis Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, a nationally recognised qualification required to work safely on site and apply for a CSCS card. Learners receive full support to prepare for and pass the CSCS test. In addition, learners will gain an understanding of the requirements of the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme and how to gain the NPORS Red Card. Finally, learners receive one-to-one employment support, including coaching, CV and application help, mock interviews, and careers advice, helping them move confidently into construction jobs or further training. On successful completion of modules learners will also be awarded a Digital Badge to evidence their learning, for use on CVs and social media.

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 practical 2-hour online taster session focuses on developing the digital skills needed to successfully apply for jobs and create effective CVs. Learners will gain confidence in navigating online job applications, understanding employer expectations, and presenting their skills and experience clearly. Through hands-on activities and expert guidance, participants will build essential digital employability skills to support their journey into employment.

This course is open to learners in the Greater London Authority. In this conversation class, you will learn to take part in short conversations, understand simple spoken information, read everyday words and signs, and write basic words and phrases. This course provides a supportive introduction to English and prepares you for further ESOL study.

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.

This course is funded by the South Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the South Yorkshire Combined Authority area. This course is designed to help you prepare for the UK driving theory test in a practical way. The course focuses on building knowledge of the Highway Code, road signs, and driving rules while developing the English vocabulary needed to understand and answer test questions. By the end of the course, you will have gained confidence, improved understanding of road safety, and developed the skills needed to progress successfully to the theory test.

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. This calming and practical 2-hour online taster session introduces learners to simple mindfulness techniques designed to reduce stress, improve focus, and support overall wellbeing. Participants will learn easy-to-apply strategies that can be used in everyday life, including at work, during study, or in stressful situations. Through guided exercises and reflection, learners will gain tools to help them feel more present, balanced, and in control.