Rory Blezard

Refurbishing and maintaining one of the top boarding schools in the country. Working both outdoors and indoors on a wide variety of jobs that were essential to keeping the schools elite standards. Jobs included painting and decorating, pressure washing outdoor areas, setting up large outdoor structures (e.g. marquee) and basic repairs . I was responsible for working with powered tools such as drills and sanders as well as being entrusted to do a full days work independently or as part of a team. Being fit, physical and resilient was necessary as some days I had to move large and heavy objects for several hours a day outside in hot weather.

• Helping to provide excellent customer service to the local members of the club and any visitors from elsewhere using strong communication skills while serving non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks along with making fresh coffee and taking food orders. Having the responsibilities of keeping the bar stocked, having to change kegs or gas and also keep the bar and restaurant looking respectable while managing any dishes that need to be cleaned. Flexibility is also a key part of this job as working independently or as a team at any time of the day is expected. Handling cash and card transactions throughout the day and also ensuring compliance with licensing laws and health and safety standards is also required.

• Assistant Chef at local café, cooking, prepping and plating high quality breakfast and lunch dishes while being able to maintain a smooth operation in a fast pace work environment. As well as making sure the food lives up to the standard expected, keeping the kitchen clean and hygienic is also a key responsibility. Being able to work as a team is a key role but also being able to work independently to keep the kitchen and café run smoothly throughout the day.

• Working long and demanding hours in the heart of Melbourne's hospitality hotspot along the Yarra River. Involved with helping chefs with food preparation including chopping ingredients and helping with presentation on plated dishes. Responsible for setting up entrees for private functions where high profile business associates would meet for staff Christmas parties and get togethers. I was responsible for making sure the kitchen ran smoothly and offering help to anyone that would need it as it was the busy season in Australia when I was working there. Duties also included with helping the dishwasher when the restaurant got particularly busy and locking the kitchen at the end of the night.

• Helping to keep the local café running smoothly by keeping the high standards and cleanliness required at all times. My duties involved washing dishes, pots, pans and kitchen utensils quickly and effectively. Helping with basic food prep and waste disposal. Gave me my first insight into working life and working as part of a team to achieve a common goal. Balancing this job with school commitments was also something I had to learn how to do.