Induction Day & First Week

[SF]

I'm starting my part time 9am-2pm postie job next week starting with an induction day in Croydon. What does the induction day involve? I'm told it's from 9am-5pm, which honestly going by induction days for previous jobs sounds a heck of a long day, considering induction days in my experience are filed with nonesense. I assumed it would just be a general induction to the company, watch a few videos, health and safety etc.. but if it's all day, I assume there's a lot more to it than that?

Also, what am I likely to be doing at my first day and week in my local office where I'll be working? Will I be inside for the week, or will I be out and about shadowing a postie?

With regards to uniform, I've been told I can't order it until I start at my DO. So what do I wear for my first week on the job since I won't have uniform?

......

Also, I have to admit, I'm quite nervous. I know I'm going to be slow prepping my walk (I will do this on part time 20 odd hours right) so what do I do if I don't finish my walk on time? Work past my hours till I finish?

Just as much info and help about the first week would be great.

Thanks in advanced.

[rhino49]

Welcome to the site and welcome to Royal Mail SF. We've all been through the induction process at some time and have survived so the first thing to do is stop worrying. You have picked the best time to start - everything will appear chaotic when you reach your office - very few people are prepared, even by induction for what really happens in delivery offices although as a part timer you will miss some parts of it.

Until you get your uniform I suggest you use any good quality out door clothing with a reliable waterproof included and shoes that are comfortable for long (no - make that very long ) periods.

You may or may not be briefed on membership of the CWU during induction - whichever way make sure you introduce yourself to the office rep and join up - there are a lot of advantages and the way the business is at the moment, some protection and advice from your union rep is essential from time to time.

Expect to take time to adjust and learn the practical side but don't be daunted by the speed or terminology used by those around you. Many offices now have workplace coaches who will take you through on site training for the first few days or in some cases weeks depending on work load.

Don't believe everything you see and hear, either on here or at your office. Many if not most of the complaints and criticisms you will see on this site are justified but then again as in most businesses people with nothing to complain about keep quiet - so it is fair to assume from that that there are happy posties out there - somewhere!!!

If you are fortunate you will have good managers (and they are out there) who will act as good managers should and have the welfare of their staff in mind and act as a buffer between them and the idiots that run the business - otherwise I refer you back to the paragraph on meeting your union rep.

Good luck and let us all know how you get on.

[morleyposty]

welcome.

induction is what you have described in your opening post.
i dont think it will last till 5.

im newish aswell coming upto a years service.
i only shadowed a postie the first couple of days and after that i was on my own.
am on different walks daily or a week on any paticular round to cover holiday/sick staff.

just wear casual until you get your uniform and remember to wear high viz(provided by manager)

dont worry if you think your slow. i was like that but soon you should pick-up and dont worry if your last out on delivery.
remember to sign out when you leave the delivery office and book o/t if you go over your alloted time.
take your breaks and dont run while your out on your walk.

you'll have quite days and busy days. this period leading upto xmas is the busiest...stick to it and dont give up.
if your not sure on anything then ask

good luck

morleyposty

[stokes11eg]

If you smoke, don't keep ciggies in your pocket in case it rains--ha,ha, I did this on my first day, and they all turned to mush. Good Luck.

[smokerjim]

If you smoke, don't keep ciggies in your pocket in case it rains--ha,ha, I did this on my first day, and they all turned to mush. Good Luck.

I do do this ( but I also wear cargo shorts and can keep them in one of the pockets there ), but what surprised me is having them turn to mush on a bright summer's day......you can sweat like a horse on delivery - but you'll soon learn what layers you need to wear ( just tie the sleeves of excess clothes to your pouch )

[ulster postie]

Did they show you the best position to adobt when you get shafted.

[smokerjim]

Did they show you the best position to adobt when you get shafted.

Why would they say that? After all, RM would be offended if anyone thought that they'd shaft us, their "people"

[SF]

Thanks for the responses.

I have a question about the breaks and my hours actually. I am supposed to be working 9am-2pm. Do I take my break (30 minutes I'm guessing?) when I'm out on my walk? Or can I just knock off half hour (or however long I get) off the end of my shift?

I've heard people say walks are supposed to be 3.5 hours. Is that for part time like me? That leaves an hour to do what? Prep, transport myself to my first address and back?...

Also, will I get my own walk? Or will I be on all different ones?

Thanks again.

[morleyposty]

Thanks for the responses.

I have a question about the breaks and my hours actually. I am supposed to be working 9am-2pm. Do I take my break (30 minutes I'm guessing?) when I'm out on my walk? Or can I just knock off half hour (or however long I get) off the end of my shift?

you can take your break during the walk or you can add 30 mins on top of your finishing time if you did not have a break. but make sure if you go over then book as o/t.
eg if you finish your walk 13:55 and you did not have a break then add 30mins on top which would make your time upto 14:25 25mins as o/t

I've heard people say walks are supposed to be 3.5 hours. Is that for part time like me? That leaves an hour to do what? Prep, transport myself to my first address and back?...

walks are supposed to be 3.5 but like many offices around the country some walks take much longer while others take far less time than 3.5hrs.which is unfair.

Also, will I get my own walk? Or will I be on all different ones?

i assume you'll be on different ones unless your dom has other plans?

Thanks again.

[SF]

will a postie on a 25 hour PW contract have to sort his walk, or will that already be done for him?

just trying to get a rough idea of how much time I'll be spending in the office, and how much freedom I'll have out on my walk

Is there a rough schedule/routine of a typical day for a part timer?

[BELIAL]

2.5 hrs prep ,4hrs delivery. 7.5hours unpaid work per week . If you don't like it you must be a bolshie militant and we will not consider you as one of our people

[krussel]

will a postie on a 25 hour PW contract have to sort his walk, or will that already be done for him?

just trying to get a rough idea of how much time I'll be spending in the office, and how much freedom I'll have out on my walk

Is there a rough schedule/routine of a typical day for a part timer?

It really depends on each office. Our partimers normally get all of there rounds prepared before they get in but if we are pushed or someome has gone sick they are only 3/4 prepped.

Hopefully yours will be prepped and all you will need to do is band up the mail into bundles. You will be shown the correct order to do this and should be given a list so that you can do it on your own. Once the mail is in correct bundles it will be in delivery order which you will follow once out on the round, you simply follow the mail.

In our office you get at least 3 days walking around with a trainer postie to show you the walk after this you are sent out on your own whereupon you will have complete freedom to work at your own speed. Dont rush and make mistakes but take your time and be steady. The speed comes with practice.

Good luck

[SF]

It appears that my walk is already prepped for me before I go out. I may have to finish in offmyself if it's particularly busy, and then bag it up. Does this sound right?

On my walk I also get dropped off by a driver, then picked up when i call. Is this normal?

First day was a little all over the place. Hopefully I pick it up.

[el_cartero]

Your not free your the bags BITCH and your customers think they OWN u .

[MattyG]

Ive just completed my induction and Im on a sat contract 8 hours p/w so what can I expect when I go in this saturday and for the next few weeks?

Grateful for any help.