Are you starting a work placement in construction? Here are some tips to help you get ready for your first day on the job!
If you’re studying on a construction-based course (such as a T-Level in construction) or interested in a career in this industry, you might get the opportunity to take part in a work placement.
A work placement helps you to grow your skills and put the things you have been learning into practice. It also looks great on your CV when you come to apply for jobs later on.
This article is designed to help you get ready for the first day of your construction industry work placement. Starting a new placement can be nerve-wracking, but by following a few simple steps you can take much of the anxiety out of the process and put yourself in a great position to have a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Dress Correctly
If you’re working on a construction site, it is essential that you are properly dressed for the job. This means comfortable, durable clothing that you can move in easily and that is weather-appropriate. Do not wear jewellery and, if you have long hair, tie it back securely.
You will likely also need to wear personal protective equipment, or PPE, to keep you safe on the site. Depending on your role and the job you’ll be working on, this might include items such as steel-toed boots, a hard hat, a high visibility jacket, eye protection, hearing protection, and so on. These may be provided for you, or you might need to bring your own. Speak to your supervisor in plenty of time so that you can make sure you have everything you need.
Arrive Early
It’s never a good look to be late for work, and especially not on your first day. Plan your route in advance and set out in plenty of time in case of unexpected hold-ups such as traffic or train delays.
Ideally, aim to be arriving on site around 15 minutes before the start time you have been given.
Bring Lunch and Plenty of Water
If you’re working on a construction site, there may not be anywhere to buy refreshments or to heat up food. Therefore, bring a cold lunch that is easy to eat. What you bring is completely up to you, but remember that you’ll be burning lots of energy, so we recommend including plenty of complex carbs and protein that will keep you going throughout the day.
It’s vital to stay hydrated, too. Construction is thirsty, physical work, so bring plenty of water and sip it throughout the day. This is important year-round, but particularly in hot weather.
Introduce Yourself and Be Polite and Friendly
Manners and courtesy go a long way in the workplace, and you should go out of your way to be polite and friendly to everyone you meet, from the receptionist to the CEO. If you do, you will be remembered in all the right ways after your placement.
Be proactive about meeting your colleagues and getting to know people by introducing yourself to others, whether you’re working on a task together or just crossing paths while getting coffee.
Not sure what to say? Don’t overthink it! “Hi, I’m [Name] and I’m here on a work placement” is a great start. Make eye contact, smile, and offer a handshake.
Listen and Follow Instructions
You might feel bombarded with lots of information on the first day. It’s important to pay close attention to what you’re being told and follow any instructions that are given to you. You might have a briefing or site tour at the beginning of your first day. You may also be given information to read, such as an employee handbook.
Practise active listening to show that you are paying attention and engaging with what you’re being told. You might also find it useful to take notes when you have the opportunity.
Ask Questions
Remember that you are on a work placement to learn. This is a great opportunity, so take advantage of it.
Ask your supervisor and colleagues plenty of questions. Nobody expects you to know everything yet, and most people will be pleased to help an enthusiastic young person who is just starting out in the industry.
You can and should ask questions about the work itself, the equipment you’ll be using, and how and why things are done. But you can also ask your colleagues about their professional backgrounds, career trajectories, and what they enjoy the most about working in construction.
And if you’re not clear about an instruction or piece of information, always ask clarifying questions. Do not guess or “fake it ‘til you make it,” which can be counterproductive or even dangerous.
Always Put Safety First
Construction sites can be dangerous places, with plenty of obvious hazards and some not-so-obvious ones, too. At any reputable construction firm, safety will always be the absolute number one priority.
Follow all safety instructions you are given and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Never operate a piece of equipment or machinery unless you have been shown how to do so safely, never cut corners, never distract someone who is in the middle of a hazardous task, and never work without wearing all the appropriate safety gear.
If anything doesn’t seem right to you from a safety perspective, speak to your supervisor. It is always better to speak up than to potentially put yourself, your colleagues, or members of the public at risk.
Enjoy It!
Construction can be a highly rewarding career. It is hard work and you might feel exhausted by the end of the day, but hopefully you can also bask in the satisfaction of a job well done.
We hope you’re on this work placement because you are excited about the construction industry and looking forward to gaining experience that will support you as you embark upon your new career. So take the time to make the most of every minute of this opportunity.
Want to know more about placements?
Here are some resources that could help:
