Supervision of electrical apprentices

Direct supervision describes a situations where the supervising electrical worker constantly monitors the apprentice, reviewing their work practices and standard of work. Direct supervision is required where an apprentice is new to a task or has not yet demonstrated a consistent ability to perform the task to a minimum standard.

Direct supervision means that:

• the holder of an electrical work licence is, as far as reasonably practicable, present in the immediate work area of the apprentice or trainee at all times while the electrical work is being performed
• the holder of an electrical work licence can observe the apprentice or trainee and their work
• the apprentice or trainee and the holder of an electrical work licence are able to communicate directly
• while the electrical work is being performed by the apprentice or trainee, the holder of an electrical work licence:
  • provides instruction and demonstrates the correct procedures for performing the work
  • monitors the work
  • provides guidance
  • checks, as required, that the work complies with the Regulations
• when the electrical work is completed by the apprentice or trainee, the holder of an electrical work licence checks and tests the work to ensure that the work is safe from electrical risk.

General supervision (level 1) describes a situation where the supervising electrical worker is not constantly reviewing the apprentice but remains in face-to-face contact on a recurrent basis. The supervising electrical worker continues to provide instruction and direction for tasks to be performed and must test the apprentice’s work prior to commissioning (and/or energising) circuits, apparatus and/or electrical equipment.

General supervision (level 1) means that:

• the holder of an electrical work licence is present at the place where the electrical work is being performed, at all times while the electrical work is being performed
• while the  electrical work is being performed, the holder of an electrical work licence:
  • provides instruction and direction, as required
  • is readily available to provide advice and guidance
  • periodically monitors the work
  • checks, as required, that the work complies with the Regulations
• when the electrical work is complete, the holder of an electrical work licence checks and tests the work to ensure that the work is safe and complies with the Regulations.

General supervision (level 2) is only suitable for apprentices who have demonstrated an ability to conduct the intended work autonomously. The supervising electrical worker need only make occasional face-to-face contact but should continue to provide instruction and direction for tasks to be performed and must inspect and test the apprentice’s work prior to commissioning (and/or energising) circuits, apparatus and/or equipment.

Although not necessarily in close proximity, the supervising electrical worker must be contactable for assistance or instruction as required.

General supervision (level 2) means that:

• the holder of an electrical work licence visits the apprentice or trainee at the place where the electrical work is being carried out, at least once a day
• before the electrical work commences, the holder of an electrical work licence provides instruction and direction, as required, regarding the electrical work
• while the electrical work is being performed, the supervising electrical worker:
  • is readily available or contactable to provide advice and guidance
  • checks, as appropriate that the work complies with the Regulations
• when the electrical work is complete, the supervising electrical worker checks and tests the work to ensure it is safe and complies with the Regulations.

A PCBU that performs electrical work involving an apprentice or trainee must ensure that all electrical work performed by the apprentice or trainee is supervised by the holder of an electrical work licence in accordance with the requirements set out in the Electrical Safety Regulations 2024.

The PCBU must have regard to:

• the type of electrical work to be performed by the apprentice or trainee, especially whether the work will be performed on or near a part of an electrical installation that is connected to a supply of electricity
• the location and general circumstances in which the electrical work is to be performed
• the level of competence of the apprentice or trainee
• the ability of the person who is to provide the supervision to provide appropriate supervision.

The PCBU must, as far as practicable, ensure that:

• the person supervising the apprentice or trainee complies with the supervision requirements in the Regulations
• the person supervising the apprentice or trainee understands their responsibilities under the Regulations in relation to supervision
• the apprentice or trainee does not carry out electrical work on or near an energised part of an electrical installation
• the apprentice or trainee worker knows who is supervising them.

The holder of an electrical work licence supervising an apprentice or trainee must provide appropriate supervision in accordance with requirements in the Regulations. This includes the supervising electrical worker must determine the appropriate level of supervision for the various tasks to be performed by the apprentice or trainee.

The supervising electrical work must have regard to:

• the type of electrical work to be performed by the apprentice or trainee, especially whether the work will be performed on or near a part of an electrical installation that is connected to a supply of electricity
• the location and general circumstances in which the electrical work is to be performed
• the level of experience and competence of the apprentice or trainee.

The supervising electrical worker must ensure:

• an apprentice or trainee does not carry out electrical work on or near an energised part of an electrical installation
• the apprentice or trainee knows who is supervising them
• the apprentice or trainee understands the level of supervision that applies to the performance of their electrical work
• the apprentice or trainee understands that they are not to take instructions in relation to electrical work from anyone other than the holder of an electrical work licence supervising them.