How much should I speak up in meetings?

One thoughtful contribution per meeting beats silence or over-talking.

Should I ask for feedback?

Yes — weekly 1:1 with your line manager.

Normal — 90% of apprentices feel this. Tell your mentor early.

Yes — informal relationships accelerate everything.

Onboarding · 6 min read

The habits and rituals that make the first 90 days of a UK apprenticeship pay off — from a young marketer who's lived it in Somerset.

By Jack Frampton, Apprentice Advocate working at Queen's College, Taunton · Published 15 July 2026

Your first 90 days as an apprentice set the tone for the whole standard. Here's the playbook that worked for me at Queen's College, Taunton.

Meet everyone. Take notes. Say yes to almost everything.

Volunteer for one owned deliverable — a weekly report, a channel, a mini-project.

One visible win. Screenshot it for the portfolio.

How much should I speak up in meetings?: One thoughtful contribution per meeting beats silence or over-talking.
Should I ask for feedback?: Yes — weekly 1:1 with your line manager.
What if I feel out of my depth?: Normal — 90% of apprentices feel this. Tell your mentor early.
Should I socialise with colleagues?: Yes — informal relationships accelerate everything.