WEA courses

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.

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.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This course helps you explore how gardening can support your health and wellbeing. You can join if you have completed the Foundations in Gardening course, but you are also welcome if you are new to gardening. No experience is needed. You will take part in practical activities such as planting seeds, caring for plants, and looking after garden spaces or containers. You will learn how gardening can help with relaxation, mindfulness, and gentle physical activity. You will also explore how gardening supports the environment, including planting for wildlife and using sustainable gardening practices. Each session is supportive and relaxed, with step-by-step guidance. You will have chances to work with others, share ideas, and enjoy being outdoors. By the end of the course, you will have developed gardening skills that support your wellbeing and confidence. You may also feel ready to continue learning through other gardening or environmental courses.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. Foundations in the Creative Arts enables you to explore creativity in a relaxed, supportive space. Creative Arts is an umbrella term covering a range of activities and themes such as practical art, drawing and painting, mosaics, sewing and craft, and creative writing. No previous experience is needed, making the set course ideal as a first step back into learning. The course supports health and wellbeing by encouraging relaxation, mindfulness through making, and time to focus on enjoyable creative activities. You will build confidence, reduce stress, and develop a sense of achievement while connecting with others in a positive, social environment. Sessions focus on simple techniques, sharing ideas, and enjoying the creative process rather than perfection. By the end of the course, you will have created a small personal project and have gained inspiration to continue creative activities at home or move on to other community or skills based courses.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This course is course designed for adults with little or no experience using technology. Learners will explore the basics of digital devices. The course introduces essential skills such as recognising common digital symbols, understanding hardware components and using a keyboard and a mouse confidently. Learners will practise connecting devices securely to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and learn internet safety tips. With hands-on activities and clear guidance, this course builds confidence and prepares learners for further digital learning in a supportive environment.