Taking on an apprentice is an exciting opportunity for you. Not only will you contribute to the development of a future tradesperson but you will support the future of our industry. However, there are a number of supervisory responsibilities that are required of you. These responsibilities will ensure the health and safety of your new apprentice.
To help you meet your supervisory requirements, Master Builders have developed these guidelines.
Your Requirements
To supervise an apprentice, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid Australian Business Number
- Not be deemed a Prohibited Employer as defined in the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act (2001), Section 14.3
- Be suitably qualified to employ a person who holds a qualification equal to or greater than the qualification the Apprentice or Trainee is learning. For example, for a carpentry apprentice, the supervisor of the apprentice must hold a Carpentry qualification (Certificate III in Carpentry), or higher-level qualification in the same field
Ratio of Supervisor to Apprentice
Master Builders recommends the following maximum allowable ratios of Supervisor to Apprentice:
| Year/Stage of Apprenticeship | Ratio Supervisor: Master Builders Apprentice (maximum) |
| 1 or 2 | 1:1 |
| 3 or 4 | 1:3 |
Level of Supervision
Master Builders recommends the following guide for the minimum level of supervision of your apprentice:
| Year/Stage of Apprenticeship | ||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Supervision Level | Direct | Direct | General | General |
| Any High-risk Work | Direct | Direct | Direct | Direct |
Direct Supervision: means the apprentice must be supervised at all times. This is on a direct and constant basis with visual contact and with the apprentice within audible range. The supervision is one-on-one and provides specific and constant guidance to the apprentice while keeping them in line of sight.
General Supervision: means the apprentice does not require the constant attendance of the Supervisor but is under the instruction and direction of the Supervisor for the tasks being performed. The Supervisor will provide the necessary instruction and direction for the tasks to be performed and will provide personal contact and progressive checks with the apprentice on a recurrent (periodic) basis.
Under General Supervision, the Supervisor must remain on the same work site as the Apprentice and be available to communicate with them directly when required (this does not mean by phone).
Need an apprentice? Master Builders can help you will all your apprenticeship needs. Contact us on 8586 3533.
