In Scotland, the WEA has a strong workplace learning strategy. The starting point of all WEA workplace learning activity is the learners. Curriculum is negotiated and developed around the individual learner’s purposes and goals and embedded in the wider social context of the workplace.

Our tutors and learners interact and share experiences as adults. Our learners gain confidence and motivation to learn new skills and take part in workplace and community life.

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) have funded our work with trade unions and employers through the Scottish Union Learning Fund and this has enabled us to work in partnership with other trade unions to deliver workplace learning across a number of industries.

in 2019-20 we have worked in partnership with several unions including USDAW, UNISON, UNITE, PCS, POA, Community and AEGIS

Some examples of relevant courses the WEA can provide are:

To support learners in a range of settings looking to update or learn new digital skills

Delivered in a variety of settings, these informal courses upskill people and boost confidence by helping participants gain new skills in the use of digital devices used in both work and home life, such as tablets and mobile phones. Individuals have the opportunity to address specific needs around their own devices. Learners are encouraged to work together and
support each other’s learning.

The aims of offering learning opportunities in the workplace are to remove barriers to participation to those in low paid and low skilled roles. WEA’s mission to reach those who could benefit most. Workplace learning is a very valuable route into adult learning and offers opportunities to build skills and confidence.

This course aims to develop key writing and language skills in order that staff can confidently and competently complete the reporting tasks required in their work setting.

The Reach Out project aims to help those who engage improve literacy and numeracy skills, reduce social isolation, improve mental and physical health, improve IT skills and employability chances. This is all done through facilitating various classes/courses as appropriate. The project is student led/student centred and the courses are facilitated through student input, ideas and help.

The project is open to both males and females, aged 16+.

Our open programmes and courses usually have a small fee to attend which is paid for by the individual learners. They are generally advertised to the general public and could be organised either by a member of our staff or through our student groups, branches and local associations. To keep the costs low for individuals, some are subsidised by our local authority partners through Service Level Agreements.

The Personal Assistants Network Scotland is a Scottish Government funded project to provide an independent support network to Personal Assistants employed directly by the person they support via Self Directed Support

The Personal Assistants Network Scotland is the only national independent support network for Personal Assistants working under Option 1 of a Self Directed Support Social Care Package.

This SQA award provides ESOL training for practitioners (many of whom are volunteer tutors) wishing to teach, or support ESOL teaching.

It provides an introduction to the core knowledge and skills required to tutor ESOL learners in a supported context. It supports a range of practitioners who are new to the field of ESOL and/or who have no recognised TESOL/TEFL1 qualifications. It is also relevant for teachers of other subjects who have ESOL learners in their classes and who wish to develop a broader understanding of issues related to English language development.

Provides ESOL training for practitioners (many of whom are volunteer tutors) wishing to teach, or support ESOL teaching