How to impress in the first few weeks of your Apprenticeship
Simple tips to help you stand out for the right reasons.
You’ve nailed your Apprenticeship application, breezed through the interview, and now it’s time to get into full-time work! Your first few weeks in a new job are crucial in creating a good first impression with your new employer and colleagues, so here’s a few tips you can use in all types of Apprenticeships to make sure you stand out for all the right reasons!
Firstly, you want to show that you’re excited to be there and start working!
Get to work a little early and make sure you’re dressed smart; if you’re not sure of the dress code, you can ring or email the HR department or your Line Manager to find out. You could even take a look on social media to see what they're wearing! Make sure on the first day of your Apprenticeship you’re smiling and greeting everyone politely; as the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression!
Asking questions is super important in your first few weeks on the job.
There’s no such thing as a stupid question. If you’re unsure, curious, or just want to know more about something, just ask! It shows that you’re keen to learn your new trade and get a better understanding. Just make sure that your questions are relevant and that you’ve tried to figure it out on your own first!
Paying attention might seem obvious, but at 3pm on Friday it’s easy to let your mind slip!
If you’re in meetings, if someone's training you, or if you're shadowing a colleague, listen closely and try to take some notes. Apprenticeships are a great way to learn from industry experts, so make the most of it!
Also, don't be afraid to take the lead.
Taking the lead might sound a bit scary—after all, you’ve only just started your Apprenticeship! But showing that you’re ready to do more than expected in your day to day role will go down a treat. Try to help your team with their work where you can, making sure you’re sharing your ideas and contributing to meetings as well as volunteering for extra tasks if possible. Taking the lead shows you’re serious about helping your team succeed.
'When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you!'
Your first few weeks might feel a little overwhelming, but try to keep positive. The truth is, no matter how long people have been in the world of work for, we all get overwhelmed when we start a new job! Communicating honestly with your manager and keeping a positive outlook will help you begin to settle into your Apprenticeship faster.