A century of life-changing learning

Founded in 1903, the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) is a charity and a global movement, providing accessible education for working people through allied organisations in over 65 countries worldwide. WEA came to Australia in 1913, when founder Albert Mansbridge was invited to the country from England by the University of Melbourne. The foundation of the WEA of Australasia was supported by the NSW State Labor Council, 28 trade unions and the NSW Director of Education.

Through curriculum themes of employability, health & wellbeing, community engagement and culture, the WEA gives students the confidence to learn new skills, live healthier lives, engage in society and broaden their horizons. Our courses are created and provided through our volunteer-led branches, often in partnership with local community groups and organisations.

Today WEAs provide learning to over 40 000 learners in Australia and 12 000 in New Zealand. The recently revived Victorian committee of WEA (est. 1913) is currently planning courses for 2015, in cooperation with Wellington WEA and the Victorian Labor College. WEA Victoria is a founding member of Learno — an online version of WEA's Trade Union Postal Education Service (est. 1964).