Nerves set in

How do you survive your first day in a brand new job?

Our trainees have all got jobs to go to. They've got the paperwork telling them when and where to turn up and what to bring with them. And they know what it's like to work on-site with experienced tradesmen. So, are they ready for their first day in a full-time job?

Do you remember when you started 'big school'? The mix of excitement and fear? Feeling strange in the new uniform that your parents said you'd grow into? Worrying about what the older kids would do to you? Wondering what your teachers really meant when they talked about being a little fish in a big pond, instead of a big fish in a little pond? Starting a new job can have the same effect.

Nerves are normal
Everyone gets anxious. It's the uncertainty. Uncertainty can have a terrible effect on the human body.

You aim for an early night but sleep evades you. You lie there thinking about what might happen the next day. Before you know it, hours have passed. You fret about getting up in time and double check that you've set the alarms.

Falling out of bed after a disturbed night, you fumble around getting ready. Everyone's told you that it's important to start the day with a good breakfast. But there's a swarm of butterflies in your stomach. Food is the last thing on your mind. You're already trying not to throw up.

Setting off for work brings on an instant panic attack. Have you got everything? What if the train or bus is late? What if you run out of petrol? Or get stuck in a traffic jam? What if … your brain comes up with an endless list of questions that it's too late to answer.

The butterflies go into overdrive. Your stomach clenches tighter and tighter. You need the loo. By the time you actually reach work you're in danger of coming across as the nervous wreck you are.

Preparation, preparation, preparation
Believe it or not, preparation really can help you to get the better of nerves. Control what you can control and you'll feel ready to deal with whatever the first day brings.

• test out your travel arrangements
• do a checklist of what to take with you – and use it
• sort out what you need for work - clothes, tools etc
• make sure you've got enough cash for travel and other stuff
• think about how the first day might be different from the rest.

First day survival tips
Once you're through the door, take a few deep breaths and try these tips.

• focus on names – you'll meet lots of people and they won't all have name badges
• give a firm handshake – you don't want people thinking you're a wet fish
• look people in the eye and smile in a friendly way – don't get into a staring match
• don't panic if people ignore you – they'll be busy
• concentrate, listen, ask questions and watch what's going on – there'll be a lot of new stuff to get your head round.