Have you just secured your first Apprenticeship role within a business? If so, this blog is for you!
Whether you like it or not, first impressions count. Luckily, there are things you can do to improve the way you are perceived. Find out what the dress code is and wear something that will make you feel confident. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive and get there early if you can. Above all, smile and be friendly to everyone you meet!
The first day of any new job can be an incredibly nerve-racking experience. It’s normal to feel anxious and eager to impress, so take comfort in the fact that everyone in your new workplace will have been through this at some point.
On your first day as an apprentice, you will meet your new colleagues, have a lot of new information given to you (some of it will stick, some of it won’t – don’t worry!) and be generally busy learning the ropes and getting the hang of your new role. In this blog, we have broken down what you should expect on your first day so you can walk in confidently and relaxed, knowing that you are as prepared as you can be.
Introductions
When you first arrive at your new workplace, your new manager will most likely give you a tour of the office and introduce you to your colleagues. Don’t get stressed if you can’t remember everyone’s names and job titles- this is normal! You won’t be expected to take in everything on your first day as it can be quite overwhelming. It’s always useful to remember where the toilets and kitchen area are, so we recommend making a mental note of those. If you don’t remember though, don’t be afraid to ask.
Most employers will have an induction process they go through with their new employees. This will usually give you an overview of the company policies, brand guidelines, structure and aims. You may need to provide a form of ID to complete induction paperwork, so it’s a good idea to bring in your passport and/or driving license and a proof of address letter, like a bank statement or phone bill.
Lunch
Some offices have canteens, others have local shopping centres you can buy food from and others might require you to bring your own lunch as there are no other food options close by. It’s a good idea to bring your own lunch for the first couple of days so you have something comforting and familiar to look forward to while you suss out the food situation. If you can, eat your lunch with your colleagues. It can be a great way to get to know more about your new workplace, and more importantly, to make friends.
Job Shadowing
Once you have met everyone and completed your paperwork, in the afternoon you may be given the opportunity to shadow another member of your department. This is to give you an idea of what your role will look like. Pay attention to what they have to say, and what they show you, and ask as many questions as you can; this is your chance to familiarise yourself with your new job. We also recommend buying a notebook to write down any relevant information you pick up from your more experienced co-workers.
Apprenticeship Introduction
After you’ve settled into your new role you will have your first day on programme. This will consist of a half-day onboarding video call and could be up to a month after you started your job. During this call, you will meet the coach who will conduct your lessons and be your support throughout the entirety of your Apprenticeship.
In this session, you will also meet the rest of your cohort. This will be a maximum group of 12 learners (including yourself) who are all apprentices on the same course, the learners will be in all your training and workshops going forward so this is a great opportunity to connect and network with like-minded individuals.
Your first session will cover good practices for the workplace, including the attitudes and behaviours that are expected of you. Your coach will detail what your Apprenticeship journey will look like, while also going through their responsibilities and your own responsibilities. Finally, your coach will map out the structure of your Apprenticeship and touch upon the topics that will be delivered over the course of the programme. You will receive a tour of Smart Assessor and the Time Log which you must use to record your Off The Job hours.
This call is very informative, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions or raise any initial concerns you may have.
When you get to the end of your first day you’ll wonder why you were ever worried in the first place! With a bit of help from your employer, co-workers and coach, you’ll feel at home in no time.
LEARN MORE:
Apprenticeships are an amazing way to develop yourself professionally and personally whilst taking on a new venture. If an apprenticeship route sounds like the perfect option for you, explore our various Apprenticeship programmes and check out our vacancies here.