First day of work experience coming up? What you wear matters more than you'd think. Employers decide a lot about a work experience student in the first ten minutes, and turning up dressed right — safe, practical and tidy — says "I'm taking this seriously" before you've said a word.
The good news: dressing right for a trade placement is simple and cheap. Here's exactly what to wear, what to bring, and what to avoid, whether you're headed to a construction site, a workshop, a salon or a commercial kitchen.
Find out the dress rules before the day
Don't guess. A few days before you start, ask your school coordinator or the business itself three quick questions:
- What should I wear? Some businesses have a uniform or supply hi-vis for visitors; others expect you to bring your own basics.
- What footwear do I need? Steel-caps are mandatory on most sites and in most workshops — no steel-caps often means being sent home.
- Is there anything I shouldn't wear? Kitchens, workshops and sites all have rules about jewellery, loose clothing and hair.
Asking ahead makes a great first impression on its own. It shows you think before you act — exactly what supervisors want to see. For more on making the placement count, read the work experience guide for school students.
The safe default outfit for trade placements
If you can't get an answer in time, this outfit works on almost any site or workshop:
- Steel-cap boots — the single most important item. If you don't own a pair, buy or borrow some; many stores sell entry-level pairs cheaply. Wear them in for a day or two at home first to avoid blisters.
- Long work pants — sturdy cotton drill pants or work jeans without rips. No shorts on day one unless you're told they're fine; many sites require long pants.
- A plain t-shirt or work shirt with sleeves — no singlets, no offensive prints. A long-sleeve shirt is even better for sun protection.
- Hi-vis vest or shirt if you have one — the business or site will usually lend visitors one, but owning a cheap hi-vis vest never hurts.
- A hat for outdoor work — wide-brim if possible, plus sunscreen in your bag.
Keep it clean and neat. Work gear doesn't need to be new — but it should look after itself: no holes, no stains, no clothes you'd wear to a party.
Grooming: look like you're ready to work
Presentable doesn't mean fancy. It means tidy and safe:
- Hair — clean and, if it's long, tied back. Around machinery this is a safety rule, not a style choice.
- Jewellery — leave rings, chains, dangly earrings and smart watches at home. They catch on things and some workplaces ban them outright.
- Nails — short and clean, especially for kitchens, salons and food businesses.
- Deodorant yes, strong fragrance no — you'll be working close to people all day.
What to bring in your bag
- Lunch and a full water bottle — don't assume there's a shop nearby, and never assume a lunch break is long enough to go find food.
- Sunscreen — SPF 50+, apply before you start.
- A small notepad and pen — jotting down names, instructions and things you learn looks fantastic and helps you remember.
- Any paperwork — signed permission forms, and your White Card if you have one (construction placements may require it — see the White Card guide).
- Your phone, on silent, in your bag — check it at breaks only. Being glued to your phone is the fastest way to make a bad impression.
What NOT to wear
- Runners, skate shoes or slides — you'll likely be sent home from a site or workshop without proper boots.
- Shorts and singlets — even in summer, most sites want covered legs and shoulders on new starters.
- Ripped jeans, trackies or anything you'd wear to hang out — practical beats fashionable, every time.
- Headphones or earbuds — never on a work site. You need to hear instructions, vehicles and warnings.
First-morning safety basics
Expect a short safety induction before you touch anything — listen properly, it matters. A supervisor will walk you through site rules, where you can and can't go, and what PPE you need. If they hand you safety glasses, gloves or a helmet, wear them the whole time without being reminded. If you're ever unsure whether something is safe, ask first — no one has ever been marked down for asking a safety question. Get familiar with the basics in the PPE guide for new apprentices and the first day on site checklist.
Why this matters more than you think
Plenty of apprenticeships start as work experience placements. Employers use these weeks as a no-risk trial: the students who turn up on time, dressed right, phone away, asking good questions are the ones who get invited back — sometimes with a job offer. Looking presentable and safety-ready isn't about the clothes. It's the easiest possible way to show an employer you're worth investing in. When you're ready to take the next step, create a free profile and start looking at apprenticeship jobs.
Key takeaways
- Ask about dress rules before the day — asking ahead makes a great first impression by itself.
- Steel-cap boots, long pants and a plain shirt with sleeves is the safe default for any trade placement.
- Tie long hair back, skip the jewellery, keep everything clean and tidy.
- Pack lunch, water, sunscreen, a notepad and any paperwork like permission forms or a White Card.
- No runners, no shorts-and-singlet, no headphones, phone stays in the bag.
- Treat the placement as a job audition — many apprenticeships start exactly this way.