There is a computer, the tabcast, which is available in the store, this helps with many skills. Your sim can listen to the tabcast while doing something else at the same time, and listening to it raises mood at the same time.
If you give your sim the bookworm trait and always have them read skill books in the library they will skill up (when reading) far more quickly in all skills which have books.
If you also take the ambitious trait, the sim will tend to be happier as this gives them a real boost in happiness points. The happier your sim is, the more quickly they will skill up.
Play music, even take the stereo to the library, again, this will boost happiness and therefor skilling.
If you have WA get the incense burner available in China, this also boasts skilling if burnt in the same room as your sim. (It does not work if your sim is outdoors.)