Interested in trading or investing but don’t know where to start? If you don’t know what information or methods are useful and you don’t know who to trust then this course is designed to be a starting point. It has broad scope and will touch on fundamentals, technical analysis, stocks, commodities, CFDs, futures, options, brokers and financial planners. You will learn about some of the traps for the inexperienced and how to avoid them. A range of educational resources will be discussed and your questions will form an important part of what is covered. No prior experience required.

Available Session Times - select from the following sessions:

54801B - Mon 6.00pm 28 July 1 sess x 3 hrs (Wea Centre) Fees available for this course:(Which Fee?) Standard: A$89.00

Select the number of places and click 'Enrol': 1 2 3 4 ENROL

Your Tutor is Dennis Keillor

Dennis Keillor BAppSci (Physics), DipEd has been teaching at WEA since 2007. 

As a ‘Cycologist’ Dennis has been a successful financial market forecaster, trader and educator since 1997.

As a ‘Fizzacist’ Dennis has been producing homemade brew since Adam was a boy!

This course is available as a WEA Flexi course.

When you enrol in a WEA Flexi course, you have the option of attending each session in person or online via Zoom. You do not need to nominate a preference when you enrol, you can simply attend each session in person or online as it suits you.

Zoom is a popular video conferencing software solution which can be used as a virtual classroom. For an optimal online learning experience, when attending classes via Zoom we recommend you install Zoom Workplace on a desktop or laptop computer with built-in webcam and use a headset with microphone. Alternatively, there is a Zoom Workplace app available so you can participate using a tablet or smartphone, however you may not be able to experience all aspects of the online learning environment when participating this way.

When you enrol in a WEA Flexi course, you will receive an email with a Zoom meeting link at least two days before the course starts. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, please check your spam folder or junk mail. If you have not received the email with the Zoom meeting details, please contact us and we will provide the details you need to join the session online.

To join the course session via Zoom, simply click on the Join the Meeting link in the email or click on Join Meeting in the Zoom app and insert the Meeting ID, your name and Passcode in the boxes provided.

Please note: WEA can only provide limited technical support (such as re-sending the meeting details), as students should know how to use Zoom on their computer or device if choosing to attend this way.

Course Description

If you’re curious about trading or investing but feel overwhelmed by conflicting information or unsure of where to begin, this course offers a clear, practical foundation. 

Getting Started in Financial Markets is designed to demystify the basics across a wide range of financial instruments – including stocks, commodities, futures, and more – while helping you understand how markets work, what tools and strategies are available, and how to avoid common beginner mistakes. 

You’ll explore both fundamental and technical approaches, and gain insights into different trading styles, risk management techniques, and how to choose reliable sources of information.

With no prior experience required, this course creates a safe and engaging learning environment where your questions are encouraged. 

You’ll leave with a solid grounding in key market concepts, an understanding of how to manage risk, and a framework to begin developing your own trading or investing strategy. 

It’s not about quick wins or hype, it’s about building confidence and capability from the ground up.

Course Structure

This course is delivered in a structured lecture format, broken down into key topic areas that build foundational knowledge while allowing for real-time questions and interactive discussion. 

• Introduction to financial markets and key instruments (stocks, commodities, forex, crypto, etc)
• Overview of investing vs trading and different styles (day trading, long-term investing, etc)
• Core principles: capital preservation, risk management, planning before action
• Introduction to technical and fundamental analysis
• Tools and strategies for identifying opportunities
• Importance of mindset, psychology, and avoiding scams
• Practical aspects: brokers, costs, tax, and legal structures
• Resources for continued learning and development.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify the main types of financial markets and instruments
• Apply basic risk management techniques such as stop losses and position sizing
• Understand how to build and test a trading or investing plan
• Recognise the differences between trading styles and select one suited to personal goals
• Understand key concepts in both fundamental and technical analysis
• Acknowledge the importance of mindset and emotional control in trading success
• Evaluate and choose brokers and platforms that meet their needs
• Be aware of taxation and regulatory implications in market participation
• Find and assess educational resources to further develop market skills