Apprentice Supervision Guidelines | NECA

Apprentice Supervision Guidelines

For the purposes of preventing danger to life and property all persons carrying out electrical work who are not licensed to carry out the work without supervision must be effectively supervised.

Employers of electrical workers and electrical workers themselves must be aware of and comply with the requirements of the Electricity Act 1996, the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995, and the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Regulations 2010.

The person employing the apprentice or trainee shall:

  • ensure the supervision is carried out by a person registered to carry out the work in question without supervision;

  • consider the kind of electrical work being undertaken, especially with regard to whether live parts are being worked on or are in the vicinity of the work area;

  • have regard to the level of competence of the person to be supervised; and

  • ensure that, where apprentices/trainees are working in the vicinity of live parts, a registered electrical worker is in close proximity to, is in sight of and can communicate directly with the apprentices/trainees.

The supervising registered electrical worker is responsible for ensuring that all electrical work is checked and tested and complies with the appropriate Acts, Regulations and Australian Standards, particularly AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules.

Download the full Supervision Guidelines for Apprentices/Trainees by clicking here >

Employers should ensure that an adequate supervisor : apprentice ratio is in place for all apprentices, and that the apprentice is given sufficient supervision for the specific task they are undertaking at any one time.

Supervisor : Apprentice Ratio

In addition to the supervision guidelines specific to electrical apprentices, all Australian Apprentices must maintain the following supervisor : apprentice ratio at all times.

SUPERVISION LEVEL RATING

MAXIMUM SUPERVISION RATIO

HIGH

1:3

A single supervisor may not supervise any more than 3 apprentices or trainees at any one time.

MEDIUM

1:6

A single supervisor may not supervise any more than 6 apprentices or trainees at any one time.

LOW

1:10

A single supervisor may not supervise any more than 10 apprentices or trainees at any one time.

 

For further information or assistance, please contact the NECA SA/NT Workplace Relations Advisor, Dain Venning on (08) 8272 2966, or email Dain.