The shift from school to the workplace

The shift from school to the workplace… how to prepare – Millie Smith

Many of you will be considering doing an apprenticeship, particularly those doing their GCSEs or A-Levels currently, therefore this shift to the workplace may be something you are thinking about.

I left school when I was eighteen years old and whilst many of my friends continued their education at university, I started my apprenticeship that September. I remember my first day in the office so vividly… the feeling that I had to stay at my desk, not knowing who to speak to if I had a question, wondering when people got up for lunch and whether I was allowed to leave the office.

Up until leaving school, your days are very structured. You arrived at school for 8am, have five lessons a day, lunch at 1pm, and go home at 3pm. Now, moving into the workplace, you need to manage that shift towards more independence and responsibility, below are some tips in order to help you do so.

1. Making friends at work

If your company has a strong apprenticeship or graduate programme, it is really beneficial to connect with others who are in a similar situation to you. You will be able to share knowledge and experiences and where there may be people who are in a cohort above you, they can support you and take on a mentor role.

2. Building a good relationship with your manager

Your relationship with your manager is also pivotal to your introduction to the workplace. On your first day, come prepared with some questions that you want answered relating to the work environment, how the company operates and what you will need to know for your first few weeks. This could be as simple as “Who do I go to if I have any IT problems?”

3. Get some work experience prior to your apprenticeship too

In order to get an understanding of what the step up to a workplace will feel like, you could look to apply for work experience or an internship prior to starting your apprenticeship.

4. Ask the questions!!!

Often when you’re in a new environment, it can be quite daunting and scary to approach people and ask questions. Remember, no question is a stupid one. It is also important to remember that because you are new to the role, particularly if you are starting an apprenticeship, your colleagues will understand that you will not know everything about your role, and therefore will be willing to support you.

5. Speak to teachers or parents who have experience in the workplace.

Prior to starting your apprenticeship, speak to your teachers or parents to see what their experiences were like when joining the workplace. They will be able to ease any worry you have about starting your apprenticeship.

In conclusion, starting an apprenticeship or taking those first steps into a work environment does require a shift in mindset towards more independence and it is important to recognise where that differs from perhaps alternative paths post-school. Being surrounded by professionals at a young age is a big step up, but it will definitely be a benefit not only to your career, but also to your self-confidence