01
Show up 10 minutes early. Every day.
On a worksite, on time is late. Arrive ready to start — boots on and tools out before the team begins.
Starting on site
Start strong on day one.
Practical advice from experienced tradespeople. Read it the night before you start — then revisit it each Sunday through your first month.
02
Have your White Card before day one.
You can't step onto a site without one. The course takes around 6 hours online — complete it the week before you start.
03
Keep your phone away.
Few things damage your reputation faster than scrolling on site. Keep it pocketed and check it on breaks.
04
Watch the qualified tradespeople closely.
Most of the trade is learned by observation. Position yourself where you can see the work clearly without getting in the way.
05
Listen more than you talk.
Mastering a trade takes years. Stay attentive, take it in, and respect the experience around you.
06
Ask questions early.
Now is the time to ask. Write the answer down so you only need to ask once.
07
Nothing to do? Grab a broom.
A clean site is a safe site. Keeping the workspace tidy shows initiative — and supervisors notice.
08
Be ready for the rough jobs.
Digging, crawl spaces and clean-ups come with the territory. Take them on with a good attitude.
09
Come prepared with water, food and PPE.
Plenty of water, a proper lunch, an esky to keep it cool, safety glasses and gloves. Sort the basics yourself.
10
Ask for feedback at the end of the week.
"What can I improve next week?" — that one question will set you apart from most first-years.
11
Carry a small notebook and pencil.
Record measurements, names of fittings and any corrections. Write it down once and you'll never need to ask twice.
Ready your kit
Explore the trade tool packs
Arrive prepared. See exactly what every first-year in your trade should have on hand.
Have a tip we should include? Email info@hyred.com.au — the best suggestions are added to this guide.