It has definitely been an interesting first 3 days. A lot of it is stuff we will simply learn from getting hands-on with the system (having some trouble getting the log-ins going for the simulators so we'll get into that next week). Still, things are being kept fairly light- we get all sorts of pics from our instructor on the projector showing somewhat embarrassing shots of family (she has a sister that works there too) and we're doing little fun things most days next week (games, a junk food pot luck, etc.).
We don't get a free phone, per se, but they do give $50 off a phone after the 3 month probationary (just to be sure you'll be sticking around/ have the aptitude for it) and the employee plan gives $20/ month for the airtime- basically free, depending on the model phone you pick. A pretty good deal, I'd say.
Anyhoo, off now until Monday at 8:30 (so much better than the 6 AM starts i have had at the plant) with 6 days of training to go. That brings up Canada Day (statutory holiday here) which we will have off and then regular shifts after that. I'm told the norm here is night shift (3:30 pm to 1:00 am) for the no0bs and eventually worked into our preferred times. Should be able to manage that, i think.