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Your First 90 Days on the Job

Getting hired was step one. Keeping the job, and turning it into a career, is decided in the first 90 days. Sixteen habits that separate the apprentices who make it from the ones who don’t. Check them off as they become automatic.

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How saving works: your checkmarks save automatically on this device as you go. Create a free account (or log in) and your progress also saves to your dashboard, so you can pick it up from any device.
Week one
Every day on the job
Money & paperwork
Set up your growth

Not hired yet? Start with the Apprenticeship Readiness Checklist.

Common questions

What should I expect in my first 90 days in a trade job?

Expect to prove reliability, learn safety procedures, and do a lot of supporting work while you build skills. Showing up on time every day matters more than anything else early on.

What tools do I need for my first trade job?

Ask your employer for their required list before buying anything. Most helpers start with basic hand tools, and many employers provide or subsidize the rest.

How do I succeed as an apprentice?

Ask questions, take notes, protect your safety habits, and volunteer for tasks. Journeymen notice apprentices who want to learn.