Workers' Educational Association

The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) seeks to provide access to education and lifelong learning for adults from all backgrounds, and in particular those who have previously missed out on education. The International Federation of Workers Education Associations (IFWEA) has consultative status to UNESCO. Archbishop William Temple was a strong proponent of workers’ education.

Albert Mansbridge established An Association to promote the Higher Education of Working Men in 1903 (renamed 'Workers Educational Association' in 1905).

WEA UK

The WEA, UK was founded in 1903. The National Association has nine regions in England, a Scottish Association and over 650 local Branches.

The WEA is a national charity and is supported by the Government through funding from the Learning and Skills Council in England, and in Scotland by the Scottish Executive and Local Authorities.

There are also Workers Educational Associations in Northern Ireland,North and South Wales. WEA South Wales is supported by ELWa, the funding arm of the Welsh Assembly Government.

WEA Australia

The WEA was established in NSW in 1913. Early work was patterned on the WEA in the UK. However, given the different demographic arrangements in Australia and in the absence of other adult education providers and the WEA in Australia become a general adult education agency. In the 1980s. a range of other training providers started offering adult education and the WEA’s role has changed. The WEA has many clubs and societies including the WEA Film Study Group.