Workers' Educational Association (WEA)

The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) began organising classes in the north of Ireland in 1910. It is the largest voluntary sector provider of adult education in Northern Ireland with 5000+ learners a year.

WEA is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. Its vision is of a prosperous, creative and cohesive society where everyone is a learner. Learning is available through off-the-shelf courses (with optional accreditation in most instances) and packages tailored to suit your group or organisation’s specific needs.

So what is special about the WEA?

Six things distinguish the WEA:

• It is an independent organisation
• It is a democratic organisation
• It is a voluntary organisation
• It has a sense of social purpose
• It has a unique history
• It is part of a larger network

Costs

Costs will vary according to the options that you choose and this is something that you can discuss with any of our Development Officers. The following examples, based on 06/07 costings, will give you some idea:

• 20 hours of non-accredited learning - £800
• 20 hours of accredited learning - £910, plus individual accreditation fees
• 1 day workshop tailored to specific needs – starts at £375

In addition to the learning that can be purchased, the WEA delivers other contracts and projects that might also support your learning needs. Again any of our staff will be delighted to talk to you about these.

Available courses

Although the WEA's provision is constantly evolving at the minute it specialises in the following areas of learning:

• Creative Industries
• Arts and Crafts
• ICT courses
• Tutoring and Facilitation skills
• Essential Skills
• Community Relations
• Community Development
• Personal Development
• Women's courses