Harper Walker

• I volunteered in exchange for accommodation through World Packers for about 4 months. At the first place, I did both inside cleaning for airbnb rooms and basic landscaping. In August I worked on a farm in whangarei, doing mainly gardening/landscaping with a bit of basic house cleaning and cooking. Although I did not work many hours, it was a good experience maintaining land and tidy housing.

In this job I learned a lot about water damage and how to prevent and control it. I often performed demolition inside homes, moved heavy appliances safely, performed mold and sewer protocol including chemical cleaning, and worked in crawlspaces. I worked through the jobs start to finish, assisting in inspections, containment, demo, sewer pump outs, and final clean. I often explained to the client what the general plan of action is if the technician was occupied. I was also left on job sites to work alone and sometimes monitor newer apprentices. This role taught me about situational awareness, safety protocols, and how to store/move heavy appliances without causing further damage.

I worked here for just over a year, half the time as an insider, and half as a driver. I worked front desk, make line, driver, and general cleaning. This role taught me how to work quick and efficient, while still maintaining a safe and clean work environment on road and in house.

This was an assisted living and mental facility in downtown Vancouver. My tasks were to prepare drinks, juices and coffee, take orders from residents, run food/drinks, and clean before and after. At the end of my shift I would input who ate and who didn't, and if any residents had a dispute with one another. In the case of an argument/disagreement, I would radio a caretaker to calm both individuals down. Sometimes I would need to sit down with a resident to talk and get them to eat if the caretakers were occupied.