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 Home Get Active Successful Organising
Journey of discovery for working mum Julia Turton21 May 2007When Julia Turton signed up for her first learning course four years ago little did she know she was setting off on a journey that would lead to a new career with Usdaw. “That first step started in 2003 when I worked at the Argos Call Centre in Widnes, Cheshire,” said the 28 year-old. “I was 24 at the time with two young children. I wanted to get back into learning so doing a course at work was ideal because it didn’t take up any of my spare time, not that I had much to spare anyway! “I took a skills for life course which helps you improve your English and maths, as well as your confidence, at our on-site learning centre, and that was it, I’d caught the learning bug.” Julia, who was working nights at the time, applied for the vacancy of Union Learning Rep. “I was really pleased when I was elected. I went on an in-depth training course which helped develop my organisational skills and how to encourage my colleagues to get involved. It really built my self-confidence. “A few months later I moved onto days and was elected learning co-ordinator – part of my role was to liaise with management and local colleges – I had to pinch myself – was I really doing this? I was also elected shop steward and I haven’t looked back.” Since then Julia has taken full advantage of every opportunity that’s come her way and she never tires of encouraging others to do the same. “I’ve got quite a few courses under my belt now. I just want people to get the same buzz I get from learning. When you know something is good you just want to encourage others to come on board and get the most out of it. “It’s more than a job – it’s a vocation really. It’s certainly not nine to five. You need the full support of your family, there’s lots of travelling and a lot of preparation to do at home,” added Julia. “I’d be lost without my mum Ann. I have two very active boys Lewis and Luke aged nine and seven. There’s the school run and all the extra curriculum activities so you have to work well as a team to make sure everything runs smoothly. “But my family can see the benefits too. I’m a different person, not only am I happy in my job but I’m more confident, self-assured and better organised. I was over the moon when I was appointed project worker for Usdaw last November.” “Lifelong Learning is one of the most exciting initiatives I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with. “It’s been an exciting and progressive journey from the moment I enrolled on that first course.” For more information on Lifelong Learning visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/lifelong_learning Contact Details Media and Communications Department Ph: 0161 224 2804 Fax: 0161 249 2490 communications@usdaw.org.uk  Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
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