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Introduction

The WEA takes education into the workplace. We offer a range of courses in partnership with employers which include the Unison ‘Learning at Work’ programme and our own independent WEA courses. We typically work with large employers in the public sector such as NHS Trusts and London Boroughs. The WEA also works in partnership with the British Army offering courses at several London barracks.

Courses are targeted at students that may have missed out on learning opportunities in the past and can provide a springboard back into learning or a preparation for Higher or Further Education. Courses typically take place during normal working hours by arrangement with employers. 

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Finding Courses 

Two different programmes are currently available – the Unison Learning at Work Programme and the WEA Independent programme: 

Unison Learning at Work Programme:

Courses from this programme of workplace opportunities are typically found within public sector employers and include the following courses which take 30 hours and usually last 10 weeks. You do not have to be a Unison Member to enrol:

  • Starting Points – for students that have been out of education for some years. Number or writing skills are covered at entry level.
  • Communication at Work – a good confidence builder and a chance to work towards level 1 or 2 national certificates in adult literacy.
  • Introduction to computers – a practical course to enable you to use a computer which can lead to a Level 1 certificate.
  • Learning for You – a level 1-3 course covering a broad range of skills such as study skills, writing, working with figures and problem solving.
  • Improve Your Study Skills – a course to improve your essay writing and research skills to enable you to progress towards Higher Education. Level 2-3 certificates awarded based on assessment of work portfolio.

WEA Independent Workplace Learning Programme:

A wide range of courses offered within a diverse range of employer partnerships. Courses are usually 30 hours of workplace based study:

  • Learn something new at work today - a brief overview of all WEA independent workplace courses.  Download here
  • Improve Your Reading, Writing and Communication skills- an entry level course that gets you back into learning and offers the chance to get a national qualification. Download a course leaflet here
  • Brush Up Your Writing Skills – a course to improve written skills and build confidence. Level 1 and 2 Certificates in Adult Literacy can be attempted at the end of the course. Download here
  • Improve Your English – an ESOL course especially for learners who don’t have English as their first language. It is possible to work towards a national qualification. Download here
  • Improve Your Number Skills – an entry level course to provide practical answers to everyday problems. A national qualification is possible. Download here
  • Brush Up Your Number Skills – a chance to gain a level 1 or 2 national qualification in numeracy. Download here
  • OCR level 1: New Clait – just right for beginners, an IT course to help you learn about computers and how to use word processors. Part or full qualification pathways are possible according to interests and needs.
  • Access to Further Study (New) – an introduction to the skills that will help you study successfully at college and beyond. Includes report writing, using a library, writing an essay and carrying out research. This course aims to build skills at levels 2-3 with a view to preparing students to work at level 4 in the future.  The course aims to prepare learners to sit the OCR Certificate in Adult Literacy at Level 2.
  • Effective Communication for International Nurses (New) – a course designed to improve speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Courses are contextualised for the nursing profession. Courses are 30 or 60 hours of classroom time and can lead to English Speaking Board (ESB) and OCR adult literacy national qualifications. Funding for this course is unlikely to be available beyond July 2007. alt

Learning

Learning takes place in groups of between 10-15 learners. It is often possible to take a nationally recognised qualification. Some courses are assessed by submitting a portfolio of work which leads to the award of London Open College Network credits. Towards the end of each course information and advice is available to help you plan your next steps.

Learners normally work as part of a group, but time is also given for individuals to work on specific skills. All courses, exams and learning materials are free to the learner. Courses take place at (or close to) your place of work. 

Joining

Ask your local training and development manager if the above programmes are already available at your place of work, as workplace courses are arranged in partnership with employers. Your Union learning Representative may be able to give you more information. If these courses currently are not available in your workplace, encourage your training manager to contact the Area Learning Manager for Employer Engagement by email – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please note that these courses are arranged with employers and we are not able to offer courses to any individual students that contact us if no employer partnership currently exists!

You will normally be asked to attend an initial assessment session with a WEA tutor prior to starting a course which will make sure that you begin at the level that is right for you. You will also have the chance to discuss course options with the tutor so that you can be sure the content matches your interests.

You may often be able to talk informally with WEA staff at your workplace during ‘outreach’ visits, where typically a tutor or other representative will spend some time at a WEA stand in your canteen or education centre. This is a good opportunity to pick up course leaflets and find out more about what is on offer at your place of work. If you are interested at this point we can inform your training manager on your behalf if you wish. Ask your training and education department if any such visits by the WEA are planned at your site!