What to expect in your first week as an apprentice

Everyone is nervous on their first day, but the easiest way to make a good first impression is to be friendly and happy. Greet everyone, introduce yourself, and make sure you smile.

During the first week, you’re going to be experiencing information overload. You’ll be meeting many new people and will be getting to grips with a new role in a new environment. Colleagues will be explaining what they do and may use words and software you might not be familiar with.

While it’s important to listen and try to take it all in, but don’t forget to ask questions. You won’t be expected to know everything in your first week. Questions show that you’re keen to understand how everything works.

After going to the interview, it’s likely you’ll already have a good idea of how you should be dressing in the workplace. If you have any queries, don’t be afraid to give the company a call or an email to double-check (remember it is always better to be too smart, rather than not smart enough).

Being on time every week is important, but even more so during the first week while you’re still trying to settle in. Plan your journey before you start, test how long it takes to get to work and leave with plenty of time to spare. This will prepare you for any unexpected traffic that may occur on your normal route to work and allow you to still be on time.

Every workplace is different, and you're new, so sit back and be polite! Remember to be professional and try to be more formal than you would normally be around your friends and family.

When starting your apprenticeship, you must be prepared to be given small jobs that may not seem very important. This acts as a way of easing you into your job role and getting you ready for the work ahead.

Don’t be shy to ask people questions, even if there’s a simple answer. Try and ask your colleagues how long they have been there, get to know people and ask simple questions like where to go for lunch.

Remember your colleagues might be nervous themselves, as this is a new situation for them too. Everyone has been in exactly the same position as you, so don’t feel excluded. It takes time for colleagues to get to know each other.