Model onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: Agency representation, SAG-AFTRA membership (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: portfolio; comp cards; social media; agency apps
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Model training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Avoid scams
Bring a chaperone if needed
Read contracts
Speak up about unsafe conditions
Shadow an experienced model through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: spot a modeling scam
Supervised practice: prepare for a casting
Supervised practice: take direction on set
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Pose for photos: independently
Walk runways: independently
Attend castings: independently
Fit garments: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, Agency representation)
Discuss the career path: New Face → Working Model → Established Model
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Spot a Modeling Scam
Prepare for a Casting
Take Direction on Set
Posing
Runway walking
Taking direction
Fit modeling

How to measure onboarding success

Time to first independent project
Revision rounds per project
On-time delivery rate
90-day retention

How Model training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Model Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Model Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Model Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Model Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)