Julie Mills

Hi, I’m Julie and I’m the Training Manager here at Training Matters. I’ve been with Helping Hands for 7 years.

My Training Qualifications

I’m a great believer in continuous improvement; the list of the training that I’ve completed since I joined Helping Hands in 2002 is a testament to that! I’m currently working on my NVQ Level 4 Leadership and Management. I have completed training and have accreditations in:

•  Delighting the Customer
• PTLLS
• Assessor/Supervision refresher
• First Aid at Work
• Management of Incontinence
• Dementia Awareness Level 2
• Communication
• Protection of Vulnerable Adults
• Coaching & Mentoring workshop
• LDAF Assessor update
• Record Keeping Skills
• The Mental Capacity Act
• Recording Skills for Direct Care Workers
• NVQ A1 Assessor Award Level 3
• Mentoring and Coaching workshop
• Evaluating Training workshop
• Building an Induction Programme workshop
• Administration of Eye/Ear drops Trainer
• Risk assessment Levels 1 and 2
• Administration of Medication Trainer
• Stroke
• Cerebral Palsy
• Diabetes
• Parkinson’s disease
• LDAF Assessor
• Fire Safety
• CRB/POVA
• Introduction to Assertiveness
• Moving and Handling Trainer
• NVQ level 2 Care
• Motor Neurone Disease
• Infection Control
• Abuse Awareness
• Care Skills
• Moving and Handling
• Basic First Aid & Administration of Medication
• Food Hygiene
• Health & Safety
• Infection Control/Continence Care

My Experience in the Care Sector

My first experience of care was when my grandmother went into a residential home. After spending time with her on my visits, meeting the staff and seeing how they cared for her and the other residents, I knew that it was a profession I wanted to join. At the time I couldn’t follow that path due to my life’s other commitments, but when I returned to work after taking six years out to bring up my children, I was finally able get into the care sector.

It was a wonderful decision; I’ve found my job roles, both as a care worker and trainer, very rewarding and enjoyable. You are appreciated for even the smallest things you do and the knowledge you can gain from listening to customers’ talk about their past experiences can be fascinating. It is a very gratifying role; seeing a customer who had not left their home for over 2 years gain the confidence to go out again and enjoy life was very inspiring.

I’ve worked in care for 7 years. I spent the first 4 years working as a domiciliary care worker, and I’ve been office based for the last 4 years. If you noticed that adds up to 8 years, it’s because I spent 1 year doing both jobs, working in the office during the day and then as a Carer in the evening!

I first joined the training team to pass on my experience and knowledge to new care staff. In my current role as Training Manager, I act as a Training Coordinator, Trainer, Mentor and NVQ Assessor. I also supervise and observe our care workers to ensure they are following the procedures that make Helping Hands successful. I’m also a Level 2 Risk Assessor.

Training with me

I now manage the induction training programme and am qualified to provide training on all standards for the Skills for Care Common Induction. My main topics include Principles of Care, Administration of Medication, Moving and Handling and First Aid.

My training style is needs to be varied as I provide many different types of training with many different types of candidate. I most enjoy group discussions and practical work because it allows learners to relax and encourages questioning; it also provides learners with a chance to become involved in the training rather than just listening. The candidates I look out for are those who show a willingness to learn; those who show adaptability, commitment, understanding and have sensitivity for others.

I provide further training through mentoring and distance learning packs for new care staff. After six months with Helping Hands, Carers begin their NVQ level 2 in Health & Social Care; I continue their learning as I’m also a qualified A1 NVQ Assessor. I provide level 1 and 2 Risk Assessor training for new members of the Risk Assessor team, with further training updates as required.

The people I meet

As you would expect, I meet a variety of candidates; experienced trained care workers and people who have cared for their own family members. We also have others who have never done care work before, but have experienced care themselves and decided they would like to pay something back to society.

The best advice I can give to potential Carers is to always be willing to take on new information; if you allow yourself to keep learning, you can develop in your role as a care worker. Health care training constantly changes, keep yourself up to date and professional in the care you provide. My favourite quote is "Never assume or presume – always ask if you are unsure."

What makes a good Carer?

Simply put, a person who wants to make a difference in someone else’s life will make a good Carer. A good Carer is someone who is willing to develop their knowledge and skills as needed; someone who cares about others, not just earning a living. You will need to be calm, reliable, sensitive, willing, and able to provide assistance without taking control.

A bit about me

I am determined, encouraging, understanding, reliable, and cheerful; I like to be with other people and always need to be doing something, I’m always on the go! I enjoy having fun; my hobby is Salsa dancing – I’m not very good but I keep trying!

I like to relax by reading novels; often fiction based on history. I also enjoy spending time with my family, especially holidays in a touring caravan.