Dress code?

Onestepcloser

I've more or less got to the final selection for a craft apprenticeship with Scottish power.  I'm at a total loss regarding the dress code.  There is a practical, some sort of written and an interview.  I did phone and ask but she wasn't very good in English she just said clothes suitable for outdoor and boots for outdoor as well. I emailed as well, reply was:

"To confirm, all materials will be provided on the day of your Assessment Centre. However, you should wear outdoor clothing and hard soled shoes such as walking boots."

Any ideas.

Brie

Outdoor clothing means something a bit rugged, might be jeans or the sort of trousers that gardeners wear.  Waterproof jacket.  Tshirt and maybe a fleece top should it be chilly.  Walking boots might mean leather or not.  But not runners, not wellies.  Something that is solid enough in case you drop something on your foot, laces up, going up at least above the ankle a bit to prevent twisting your ankle on rough terrain. (what might be labelled a mid terrain boot)  Good walking socks, maybe with a liner sock to prevent blisters.  Depending on the type of work and the weather you might want to have gloves, a head band that covers the ears in case it's windy, baseball cap if it's sunny.

Things don't have to be new but they should be neat, tidy and CLEAN.  

If you don't have this sort of thing and you have the time check out what's available at Aldi (great for socks) & Lidl.  TKMaxx often have decent boots or you might have to go to Mountain Warehouse or similar.  Or if you are blessed with an array of charity shops have a look there, it's amazing what can turn up.  

LinLui

That appears to be a very clear instruction. What are you struggling with? They would like you to wear clothes that are suitable for being outside, and shoes or boots that are for outdoor terrain  (so not trainers or street shoes), such as hiking footwear. What might be suitable for outdoor clothing would depend on the weather, but perhaps avoid "funny" slogan t-shirts etc.

Onestepcloser

Brie said:

Outdoor clothing means something a bit rugged, might be jeans or the sort of trousers that gardeners wear.  Waterproof jacket.  Tshirt and maybe a fleece top should it be chilly.  Walking boots might mean leather or not.  But not runners, not wellies.  Something that is solid enough in case you drop something on your foot, laces up, going up at least above the ankle a bit to prevent twisting your ankle on rough terrain. (what might be labelled a mid terrain boot)  Good walking socks, maybe with a liner sock to prevent blisters.  Depending on the type of work and the weather you might want to have gloves, a head band that covers the ears in case it's windy, baseball cap if it's sunny.

Things don't have to be new but they should be neat, tidy and CLEAN.  

If you don't have this sort of thing and you have the time check out what's available at Aldi (great for socks) & Lidl.  TKMaxx often have decent boots or you might have to go to Mountain Warehouse or similar.  Or if you are blessed with an array of charity shops have a look there, it's amazing what can turn up.  

I work in construction and I'm a keen hiker so I have boots, waterproofs and fleeces, just wondering if jeans and a casual shirt is too casual.  Not sure if I wear smarter shoes/boots and change into outdoor gear when required?

Onestepcloser

LinLui said:

That appears to be a very clear instruction. What are you struggling with? They would like you to wear clothes that are suitable for being outside, and shoes or boots that are for outdoor terrain  (so not trainers or street shoes), such as hiking footwear. What might be suitable for outdoor clothing would depend on the weather, but perhaps avoid "funny" slogan t-shirts etc.

Not sure if I wear smarter shoes/boots and change into outdoor gear when required? Would winter boots and jeans and a plain casual shirt/polo be appropriate with a few outdoor layers when needed? Don't want to be overdressed or look as if I haven't bothered.

I'm 46 so this is a big opportunity for me to get an apprenticeship and just want o give it my best shot.

Savvy_Sue

I think I'd be inclined to turn up 'ready for work', perhaps carrying rather than wearing your cagoule and waterproof trousers (unless it's raining!), but already in your tough boots. But then, I tend to be pedantic, and if they wanted you to change on arrival they'd say "bring" not "wear". 

Personally, I don't equate 'jeans' with 'outdoor' - certainly for walking they're a disaster if it rains. I'd scour the charity shops for Cargo trousers from eg Craghoppers, and go for layers which will allow you not to overheat if you're working hard. 

As Brie says, neat, tidy and CLEAN!

Onestepcloser

I have all my hiking gear as well as work gear as I work in construction although it certainly isn't what I would call presentable, hiking gear it is then.

Jude57

Onestepcloser said:

I have all my hiking gear as well as work gear as I work in construction although it certainly isn't what I would call presentable, hiking gear it is then.

I think that's sensible. I would be impressed with someone who turned up appropriately dressed for the outdoors even if (perhaps especially if) their gear wasn't brand new. And you can't be sure there'll be anywhere where you can change clothes or leave your 'good' clothes while you're out and about. Definitely wear good strong boots, no matter how battered. I'd suggest that you should carry your extra layers, waterproof gear plus extra water and such in your daysack. As my ex-Army husband used to say, "there's no bad weather, only wrong gear. Any fool can be cold/wet/thirsty".If you're going to be outdoors in Scotland, don't forget the midge repellent!

Good luck, I hope it goes well for you.

Grumpy_chap

Onestepcloser said:

I have all my hiking gear as well as work gear as I work in construction although it certainly isn't what I would call presentable, hiking gear it is then.

If you work in construction, and the new opportunity is in construction, then I would have thought that construction work wear was more suitable than hiking gear.  The two types of kit are obviously different in nature.  If your regular construction kit is not presentable, can you buy some low cost construction kit for the interview?  It is not uncommon for people going to an office job to have to buy a cheap suit for the interview, so buying some construction gear would be the similar thing.

Savvy_Sue

Grumpy_chap said:

Onestepcloser said:

I have all my hiking gear as well as work gear as I work in construction although it certainly isn't what I would call presentable, hiking gear it is then.

If you work in construction, and the new opportunity is in construction, then I would have thought that construction work wear was more suitable than hiking gear.  The two types of kit are obviously different in nature.  If your regular construction kit is not presentable, can you buy some low cost construction kit for the interview?  It is not uncommon for people going to an office job to have to buy a cheap suit for the interview, so buying some construction gear would be the similar thing.

I guess the issue might be that at least some of his construction gear has current employer's logo or name on it, so wearing it to an interview would not be a good idea. However, getting some cheap is a suggestion. 

The thing is though, I don't think the employer will necessarily expect people to be kitted out as they would be if they were working. The guidance says "outdoor clothing", so to me, hiking gear would fit that description. 

I do hope the OP will come back and tell us how it went, and what they were expected to do!

Onestepcloser

Savvy_Sue said:

Grumpy_chap said:

Onestepcloser said:

I have all my hiking gear as well as work gear as I work in construction although it certainly isn't what I would call presentable, hiking gear it is then.

If you work in construction, and the new opportunity is in construction, then I would have thought that construction work wear was more suitable than hiking gear.  The two types of kit are obviously different in nature.  If your regular construction kit is not presentable, can you buy some low cost construction kit for the interview?  It is not uncommon for people going to an office job to have to buy a cheap suit for the interview, so buying some construction gear would be the similar thing.

I guess the issue might be that at least some of his construction gear has current employer's logo or name on it, so wearing it to an interview would not be a good idea. However, getting some cheap is a suggestion. 

The thing is though, I don't think the employer will necessarily expect people to be kitted out as they would be if they were working. The guidance says "outdoor clothing", so to me, hiking gear would fit that description. 

I do hope the OP will come back and tell us how it went, and what they were expected to do!

I certainly will, i am going to go with my outdoor clothes they areostly all in good presentable condition.