How do I approach my first proper job progression & contract discussion?

Hi all — looking for a bit of professional advice ahead of a meeting I have on Wednesday.

I’ll be sitting down with my boss to discuss my job role, progression, and also to talk about my contract (wage, benefits, etc). I’ve never had a conversation like this before, and I’m not sure how to approach it. I want to handle it professionally and respectfully, but also make sure I advocate for myself and my future.

For some context: • I’m 21M, based in the UK. • I’ve been in this role since November (about 7 months). • I originally joined after dropping out of university last year. I wasn’t in the best place mentally and my uncle (who works in a different department) helped me get this job. • At the time, it was meant to be a short-term position while I figured out my next steps, and I originally intended to leave this September to start a degree apprenticeship. However, I’ve since decided not to do that this year. I may still pursue an apprenticeship next year but I haven’t fully made that decision yet. • My role doesn’t currently have a defined job title. I mainly work on-site doing admin, processing orders, and generally filling gaps as needed. My boss has said part of this meeting will involve giving me a formal job title and more defined responsibilities. • Realistically, in the short-term my role won’t change much until the current site project ends. Long-term, I believe the plan is to slowly move me into more site management responsibilities over time. • I’m currently on minimum wage with no pension or benefits, as it was originally intended to be a temporary role. However, I feel that I should be earning a bit more now — not necessarily a huge increase, but something above minimum wage. • In terms of benefits: a pension is something I would like to be added as part of a proper contract. Driving allowance or mileage reimbursement is something I’m unsure how to approach — I’m learning to drive now, and once I pass, some sites may involve long commutes (currently I’m travelling ~30 miles each way to Salford). However, once this site ends I may be mostly office-based, which is much closer to home. • The company is medium-sized now, but still very much operates with a small business mindset — the kind of company that’s grown faster than its internal structure has.

I’d really appreciate advice on: • How to approach the meeting and structure the conversation • How to talk about salary and benefits without coming across as entitled • Whether I should bring up my potential apprenticeship plans for next year or just leave that out for now

Any advice would be massively appreciated. I’ve never had a proper “career talk” before, and I want to handle this well but I don’t have much experience to lean on.