Advice and Instructions

Supervision of Apprentices and Trainees in the workplace

Issued: 15 March 2004

The following information replaces CIB099.

There are a number of requirements that set out an employer’s responsibilities for the supervision of apprentices and trainees in the workplace.

1. Vocational Training Orders, specify the required training apprentices and trainees should undertake to achieve the competencies specified in applicable training packages and/or in curriculum based training programs.
2. The Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001. Section 13 provides that the employer of an apprentice or trainee must:
   • in accordance with the relevant training plan, take all reasonable steps to enable the apprentice or trainee to receive the work-based component of the required training, in particular by providing all necessary facilities and opportunities to acquire the competencies of the vocation concerned, and
   • discharge his or her obligations under the apprenticeship or traineeship as an employer of the apprentice or trainee.
3. The Apprenticeship/Traineeship Training Contract specifies that an employer must provide the appropriate facilities and experienced people to facilitate the training and supervision of apprentices or trainees while at work in accordance with the relevant training plan.

Generally, the minimum requirement under the Training Contract is that a person who can demonstrate the competencies relevant to the vocation the apprentice/trainee is employed in, will supervise the apprentice/trainee in the workplace.

The employer must ensure that each apprentice/trainee has the necessary support and appropriate level and quality of supervision on the job. The level of supervision provided should be aimed at facilitating the successful achievement of the relevant competencies for each individual apprentice/trainee. It should be reassessed on a regular basis by taking into account the stage the apprenticeship/traineeship is at and the knowledge and previous experience and training the apprentice/trainee has received in a particular task.

4. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000. Part 2 Division 1, Clause 8 (d) specifies the employer responsibilities for supervision and occupational health and safety training of employees including providing such information, instruction, training and supervision as may be necessary to ensure the employees’ health and safety at work.

Further information on the OH&S Act 2000 may be found at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au.

5. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 Clauses 14 and 272-273 and 274 are suitable guidelines for determining what constitutes adequate supervision for apprentices and trainees undertaking work/training in the workplace and ensuring that the supervision is undertaken by a competent person.
   

   Further information on the OH&S Regulation may be found at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au.

It is important that agencies participating in the establishment of apprenticeships and traineeships be aware of all requirements governing supervision of training.

Approved by the Commissioner for Vocational Training