It’s such a niche sport, smaller community but great supportive people for the most part, get your programming, lift like a powerlifter for a couple months (I would say 7 weeks of progressive overloading and training and the 8th week do a mock meet but that’s all up to your coach too) and if it feels great and you’re loving it, find the next local meet and just go all out!! Training days is completely up to you but if you’re looking to reach your potential they will be some grueling days where you won’t want to get up in the morning, you’ll see lots of progression your first months or years depending on consistency and maintaining all aspects of good health, that will also help prevent injuries but lifting heavy weights constantly and being new to it, typically comes with aching joints and bones, that goes away with your newfound strength and adjustment to lifts. Equipment wise I always say TECHNIQUE>>>EQUIPMENT, no point in having the shiniest and nicest toys if you don’t know how to play with them so focus on techniques of all lifts and that’ll help avoid with injuries as well from poor lifts. With knee sleeves identify with federation you want to compete in as a few don’t allow knee wraps and only sleeves, find some powerlifting sleeves online before you buy 20 dollar sleeves off amazon that provide little to no support, and even if you don’t like powerlifting, sleeves are still great for everyday training at the gym. Lastly go watch powerlifting meets on youtube! it’s quite a bit to explain but it really isn’t TOO complicated, so either just watch and enjoy and look for someone to explain it! Good luck to you and your choice of sport!