Supervision of Apprentices

Supervision is the process of providing guidance, instruction, training and ensuring compliance with the requirements of an organisation’s policies and procedures on how it does its business and carries out the work. Supervision can range from a verbal instruction to written procedures and constantly observing or monitoring an apprentice to ensure work is done safely.

Remember Life Saving Rule #10

I will never begin a skilled task, or operate equipment and machinery unless trained to do so

The supervisor must be a competent person and appropriately trained and must hold a Victorian A Class Electricians License.

The supervisor is to provide the apprentice with

• responsible and considered supervision
• a safe working environment and conditions that contribute to learning of the trade and relevant work-based instruction and training.
• The Supervisor shall be totally conversant with the policies, procedures and requirements of the employer
• assist in ensuring that the roles and responsibilities of the employer are met and
• ensure that apprentices wear appropriate PPE and follow instructions.

Supervision Guidelines for Apprentices Working on Electrical Installations

These guidelines have been developed to assist electricians and electrical contractors in providing supervision to apprentice electricians during their on the job training.

Supervision Practice

The goal of supervision should be to progressively diminish from direct supervision in the first year to broad supervision in the fourth year of the apprenticeship with the exception of conducting the activities of fault finding and confirmation for isolation. This condition is subject to successful completion of all trade school subjects by the apprentice. The supervision shall be carried out by a licensed electrical worker who is the supervisor.

As well as managing the training needs of the apprentice, the supervisor should act as a positive role model for both technical work and OH&S in the workplace, provide constant feedback on performance and encouragement to the apprentice.

At all stages of the supervision pathway, the apprentice at the applicable level of supervision must be able to demonstrate electrical knowledge and skills relevant to the task

It is important that an apprentice is able to voice their confidence or uncertainty to their supervisor in regard to their abilities and different aspects of electrical work.

If an apprentice is to be left unattended with general or broad supervision the electrical supervisor will have completed a risk assessment of the tasks to be carried out, the worksite and be confident that the apprentice has the competency to carry out the tasks.

Supervision Ratios

One supervisor is to supervise no more than two apprentices under direct supervision at any one time.

One supervisor is to supervise no more than four apprentices under general supervision at any one time.

Direct supervision

This means the supervising electrician is to work with the apprentice constantly reviewing the work practices and standard of the apprentice’s work. The supervising electrician shall be readily available in the immediate area, within audible range (earshot), able to communicate immediately with the apprentice and where possible, within visible contact of the apprentice. Where there is a risk of contact with the electricity supply and the guideline has allowed the task, the supervising electrician is to be next to the apprentice.

General supervision

This means the apprentice does not require constant attendance of the onsite supervising electrician but requires face-to-face contact on site during the day, with the supervising electrician to check on the work being performed and to provide the apprentice with additional instructions and assistance.

As part of general supervision, the supervising electrician shall provide the apprentice with instruction and direction for the tasks being performed, with progressive checks and tests being made during the work being undertaken.

The supervising electrician shall be readily available on the same worksite as the apprentice, able to communicate immediately with the apprentice at all times and where possible, within visible contact of the apprentice. Where there is a risk of contact with the electricity supply and the guideline has allowed the task, the supervising electrician is to be next to the apprentice.

Broad supervision

This means the apprentice does not require constant attendance of the onsite supervising electrician but requires face-to-face contact with the supervising electrician on site to check on the apprentice and the work being carried out by the apprentice. As part of broad supervision, the supervising electrician shall provide the apprentice with instruction and direction for the tasks being performed.

The Supervisor shall meet with the apprentice at the start of the day or work cycle and provide direction

The supervisor must isolate and prove de-energisation of any circuits or equipment on which the apprentice will be working.

The supervisor must attend the site on completion of the electrical work to test and verify the work completed by the apprentice, and to carry out any commissioning or livening of the work.

Apprentices should when deemed competent in their 3^rd and 4^th years have the opportunity to carry out tasks related to (non live) fault finding and isolation training in the final stages of their apprenticeship, but only under direct supervision.

Only when an apprentice is in their 4th year (and deemed competent) may they carry out advanced fault finding and confirmation of isolation, but this must be undertaken under direct supervision at all times.

Accessible to contact with electricity supply

This means that the person is in a position where they can personally make contact with live electrical equipment and wiring including making contact via tools or conductive material with live electrical components.

Apprentice

An apprentice is a person under a contract of training which will result in an Electrotechnology Qualification. In the following table the reference to first, second, third and fourth year relates to level of competency and progression at the Registered Training organisation (RTO), not calendar years. These guidelines also apply to other electro-technology apprentices when working on electrical installations, i.e. Refrigeration and air-conditioning.

Supervision Guidelines

General guidance: supervision levels (ESV published)