Wakefield Festival of Learning
To celebrate National Careers Week, we’re holding a weeklong series of events. These events are designed to help you learn new skills and develop your career. No matter how old you are.
Each event will showcase the many services available in our district. Helping you access employment, education and training. Come along and find your pathway to a great new career, or that promotion you deserve!
We have pledged to provide lifelong learning opportunities for all residents. And want to help everyone live healthier, more independent lives. That’s why all these great events are FREE!!!
Funding has been provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). These events have been arranged at no cost to residents. Council reserves will not be used to deliver this programme of events.
Find out more about the benefits of lifelong learning
The events
A variety of different events and workshops will be on offer throughout the week. With key people from different industries discussing topics including how to interview more effectively. And how to be more successful when applying for jobs. Learn more about Artificial Intelligence, video game design, healthcare, creative opportunities, and much more.
Events are listed below - we look forward to seeing you there! And don’t forget to keep checking this page, as we add more events.
Get creative at the Art House
The Art House is hosting taster sessions where you can learn about a range of different artistic techniques. Whether you want to try a new craft or rediscover your creative flair, these workshops have been designed to inspire all.
The Art House, Drury Lane, Wakefield, WF1 2TE
Book your Art House taster session
Monday 3 March – Our Journey to Sustainability
Discover new ways to enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle, with some great tips from the experts.
This in-person event will feature presentations and interactive activities to inspire and educate attendees. Ages 14+.
7 to 9pm, Charles Waterton House, Almond Avenue, Walton, WF2 6UA
To book a place, please contact: ertosustainability@gmail.com
Monday 3 March – Mobiles Made Easy
Do you find using a mobile phone confusing? Do you want someone to show you how to use your phone to make calls and send messages? Learn how to use your phone to do more than just keep in touch. This drop-in session will show you how to use your phone to pay bills, access the internet, install useful mobile apps and much more. No need to book on this event, just come along between 9:30am to 11am and we will show you all the basics.
9:30am to 11am, Pontefract Library, Shoemarket, WF8 1BD
Tuesday 4 March – Understanding AI tools
AI tools have revolutionised the workplace in recent years. This session will show you how AI can help you in your professional and personal life. It will also highlight the limitations of AI and how these tools should be responsibly used.
Boost your economic well-being, literacy levels and create new opportunities at work.
9:30am to 11am, The Red Roof Community Centre, Wakefield Road, Kinsley, WF9 5BP
To book a place, contact: diane.hall@wakefieldcf.org.uk
Tuesday 4 March – I Innovate
Develop work ready skills using virtual reality. AI-powered roleplays will show how you can gain the essential human skills needed for education, work and personal healthcare.
- 12:30pm to 1:30pm and 5 to 7pm, Castleford College, WF10 4UA
- 12:30pm to 1:30pm and 5 to 7pm, Wakefield College, WF1 2DH
Wednesday 5 March – Your Future, Castleford
Looking to retrain, upskill or apply to university? This is an excellent opportunity for you to meet with Employers and Universities to discuss all the opportunities available to you.
12:30 to 1:30pm, Castleford College Library, WF10 4UA
Wednesday 5 March – Mobiles Made Easy
Do you find using a mobile phone confusing? Do you want someone to show you how to use your phone to make calls and send messages? Learn how to use your phone to do more than just keep in touch. This drop-in session will show you how to use your phone to pay bills, access the internet, install useful mobile apps and much more. No need to book on this event, just come along between 9:30am to 11am and we will show you all the basics.
9:30am to 11am, The Red Roof Community Centre, Wakefield Road, Kinsley, WF9 5BP
Thursday 6 March – Cooking with Confidence
Working with everyone from parents and carers to people living alone. Learn how to cook and explore healthy meal options on a budget. Great tips on cooking for yourself or your family. Learn about the cost of ingredients, nutritional values and how to get more when shopping for food.
11:30am to 1pm, St George’s Community Centre, Lupset, WF2 8AA
To book a place, contact: Hbell@HSWD.ORG.UK
Thursday 6 March – Your Future, Wakefield
Looking to retrain, upskill or apply to university?
This is an excellent opportunity for you to meet with Employers and Universities to discuss all the opportunities available to you.
12:30 to 1:30pm, Wakefield College Beaumont Building, Wakefield, WF1 2DH
Thursday 6 March – Home Education Careers
Enjoy a range of workshops designed for anyone aged 13+ in elective home education. Meet with representatives from various industries. Discuss career options and learn more about the many opportunities available for when they turn 16.
10:15am to 3:30pm, National Coal Mining Museum, Overton, WF4 4RH
Thursday 6 March – I Innovate
Develop work ready skills using virtual reality. AI-powered roleplays will show how you can gain the essential human skills needed for education, work and personal healthcare.
- 5 to 7pm, Castleford College, WF10 4UA
- 12:30pm to 1:30pm and 5 to 7pm, Wakefield College, WF1 2DH
Thursday 6 March – Wakefield Women’s Network Launch
A fascinating insight with an opportunity to ask questions. Listen as our panel of women from a range of business roles talk about their approach to leadership. Put your questions to them or listen as they answer others.
10am to 12pm, Theatre Royal Wakefield, WF1 2TE
To book a place, please contact: rachel@my-chamber.co.uk
Friday 7 March – Behind the scenes: Unlocking Careers in Live Events
This one-day event will explore the dynamic world of live events. Covering technical, creative, and logistical roles. Whether you're a young person looking for an exciting career path. A parent finding out about future opportunities for your child. Or an adult hoping to get into the industry. All ages and backgrounds are welcome.
10am to 4:30pm, Production Park, South Kirkby, WF9 2NR
Get your ticket for the Unlocking Careers in Live Events event
Friday 7 March – Cooking with Confidence
Working with everyone from parents and carers to people living alone. Learn how to cook and explore healthy meal options on a budget. Great tips on cooking for yourself or your family. Learn about the cost of ingredients, nutritional values and how to get more when shopping for food.
11:30am to 1pm, Castleford Trinity Methodist Church, WF10 1EL
To book a place, contact: Hbell@HSWD.ORG.UK
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 March – WX Games Weekend
Take part in workshops from Wakefield College on how to design video games. Learn about the skills required in the dynamic games industry. And hear talks from games legends and developers on how you can have a career in this exciting creative industry.
- Saturday: 10am to 5pm
- Sunday: 10m to 4pm
Wakefield Exchange, WF1 3AD