At North Hertfordshire College, we take immense pride in our alumni success – particularly when it involves them giving back to our College community!
Meet Millie, NHC Health and Social Care alumna. You might remember her from a student success story back in 2018, all about how she secured a full-time care role following a successful work experience placement with Trembaths Care Home.
Throughout her time spent working with real service-users at Trembaths, Millie developed strong care-skills and techniques, and deepened her understanding of key processes and procedures. She also boosted her communication, organisation, and administrative skills, qualities which can be transferred into any form of employment.
After a few years working as a carer, Millie decided it was time to explore pastures new – and we are so excited to say that she started working with us as an Inclusion Assistant!
We caught up with Millie to hear how she’s getting on:
How did NHC support you in preparing for your new role as an Inclusion Assistant?
“While I was at NHC, I had really engaging lessons with experienced tutors, which helped me quickly understand both the theory side of my course, as well as the practical elements.
“The College also helped me to secure a work experience placement at Trembaths Care Home as part of my course. Following this placement, Trembaths offered me a full-time position as a carer, which meant I could take the first step on my career journey.
“When the Inclusion Assistant role became available, I spoke to my old Health and Social Care tutor, Cheryl, and she encouraged me to go for it. I was so surprised that Cheryl remembered me out of all the students she has taught, it really boosted my confidence in my skillset and ability.
“I applied for the role and was invited in for an interview with the team. I was asked to do a presentation as part of my interview process, and received positive feedback on my delivery which helped me feel more confident in my communication skills.
“A few days after the interview, I was so happy to find out I’d been successful and got the job!”
Which topics/skills that you learnt at NHC do you use in your current role?
“While I was working at Trembaths, I drew on the skills I learnt at NHC every single day. From meeting needs to safeguarding, I felt confident in my ability to provide high-quality care due to the learning opportunities I had while at College.
“In terms of my new role as an Inclusion Assistant, I am so lucky to be able to empathise with the learners I work with, I’ve been there! I’ve been an NHC student, and I can use my own experiences as a student to help the learners I work with each day.
“My time at College prepared me to be able to adapt my care and communication to meet individuals’ specific needs. I used this skill throughout my time at Trembaths, and I’m now able to do the same for learners with additional needs. For example, I can read through a learners Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and tailor my support to suit their specific needs. I am really enjoying being able to maximise the experience of North Hertfordshire College learners.”
Where do you hope to be in five years’ time?
“I hope to become a Health and Social Care tutor, like Cheryl. I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact tutors can have on learners, even years after they’ve left College. I’d love to be able to give back to enthusiastic learners and help them achieve their goals, like Cheryl did for me.
“I will start my Level 2 Education Practitioner course soon, and my plan is to progress afterwards to complete all the teaching qualifications needed to work in further education.”
What would you say to someone who is thinking of studying at NHC?
“First of all, make sure you choose a course you are interested in. I completed a year of Child Development Studies and quickly realised it wasn’t for me. After speaking to my tutors, I realised Health and Social Care was a much better fit.
“Most importantly, never give up. I am a strong believer that failing is just the first attempt at learning, so you have to keep pushing and working towards your goals. I failed my GCSE maths five times! I kept at it, and re-sat the exam until I passed. Just keep going!”
We are so lucky to have enthusiastic and experienced professionals, like Millie, working with us. On behalf of everyone at North Hertfordshire College, we wish Millie the very best of luck in her new role.
Work with the Hart Learning Group
Could you draw on your professional experience to inspire the workforce of the future, like Millie is?
If so, we want to hear from you – check out our available vacancies and come and join the team!