About

WEA Mansfield Community ICT

We are part of the East Midlands region of the WEA (Workers Educational Association).  The WEA is a registered charity and the UK’s largest voluntary-sector provider of adult education. Please visit the national website www.wea.org.uk/about to find out more.

The WEA was founded in 1903, and the Mansfield Community ICT programme [ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology] was initially created in 1999 with grant funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, to enable those affected by the pit closures to learn new skills.

Since then, we have run an extensive range of computer courses in local community venues, from Mansfield to Warsop, Skegby to Edwinstowe, providing opportunities for local residents to access learning in convenient locations. We are now funded through the WEA’s national contract with the Skills Funding Agency. Locally we also work in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council Adult and Community Learning Service to provide courses for those just beginning to learn computer skills. We are also a registered UKOnline Centre, which helps first-time learners access the internet, use email and take the first steps in using computers.

We provide computer facilities (laptops) in venues where there are none, and in most cases this includes internet access if possible (dependent on venue location).

Courses in most cases have a maximum of 12. This gives everyone the opportunity to get to know their fellow learners and ensures the tutor has the time to provide as much support as needed.  Classes are relaxed and informal, our tutors are very experienced and patient and in most cases people can join at any time, with no previous experience required. We offer courses leading to recognised IT qualifications, courses to learn ICT skills such as digital imaging or courses using ICT as a tool, e.g. researching family history.