Caleb Purcell

I have been working in the school tuck shop since the middle of this year. It is a paid role. My duties include working the till and working as a runner at morning tea and lunchtime.

The till work involves taking the orders, counting cash and giving change or putting through EFTPOS transactions. The runner work involves getting the food and drink for students.

The role requires the following skills:

-Team work to ensure efficiency in getting orders out quickly during busy times.

-Initiative in dealing with situations when food ordered isn't available or there is a complaint.

-The ability to work under pressure as it can be very busy and a fast-paced environment.

-A knowledge of hygiene, safety regulations and knowledge of handling hot food.

-Good communication to ensure everything runs smoothly.

-Keeping the tuck shop clean and tidy and the shelves fully stocked.

I have been a member of the NZ Cadet Forces for three years. While this is not a job it's given me a lot of transferrable skills and experience that I can take into the work force.

During my time as a cadets I have done the following:

-Participated in several overnight bush camps learning survival and leadership skills

-Completed extensive first aid training, including simulated medical exercises

-Flown a powered aircraft twice

-Completed firearms training

-Carried out volunteer work including marshalling at marathons and helping run air base xmas parties

-I am also about to participate in a junior NCO leadership course and a drone operators course run by the NZ Defence Force

The skills I have gained from this include:

-Teamwork and collaboration

-Good communication

-Professionalism, discipline and respect for authority

-Leadership and maturity

-Health and safety awareness

-Aviation knowledge

-The ability to think and act quickly in high pressure situations