Electrical apprentices and trainees
An electrical apprenticeship provides the skills and experience to become a licensed electrician and includes classroom education and on-the-job training, working alongside an experienced licensed electrician (Supervising Tradesperson).
It’s important for electrical apprentices to understand the limitations, required supervision and the risks involved when performing electrical work.
Work limitations while training
Section 279 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 (the ES Regulation) imposes strict limitations on the type of work able to be performed by training persons (apprentices and trainees) These limitations ensure that new, less experienced and often younger workers are not placed at risk of electrical shock or injury.
In the first six months of an apprenticeship or other training program, the apprentice/trainee must not work:
- near a live high voltage exposed part
- where there is a risk of coming into contact with a live low voltage exposed part.
They also need to be supervised at all times by an appropriately licensed electrical worker.
Supervision of apprentices and trainees
Employers must ensure that apprentices/trainees are supervised at all times. The level of supervision will depend upon the work and the level of training and competence of the apprentice or trainee.
Supervision of electrical work and the way it is performed includes:
- statutory compliance, such as the work an apprentice is allowed to do
- health and safety matters
- technical compliance
- implementation of a safe system of work.
Supervisors must be properly licensed, qualified and experienced in the work they are supervising.
Find out more about supervising electrical apprentices (PDF, 0.15 MB).
Resources
We have a range of resources for both workers and apprentices.
Films
- Electrical safety for apprentices
- Arc flash safety – Mark’s story
- I love you, Dad – The Dale Kennedy story
- Jason’s story
- Jason Daniels’ story – surviving an electric shock from overhead powerlines
- Forever young – Tim’s story
Webinars
- Electrical apprentice safety webinar 2021
- Electrical apprentice and supervisor webinar 2020
- Suicide prevention for young workers in the construction industry
Guides
- Supervising electrical apprentices (PDF, 0.15 MB)
- Young worker safety toolkit (PDF, 4.59 MB)
Forms
- Completing apprentices
- Form 10 – Application for an electrical work licence (apprentice) (PDF, 0.15 MB)
Newsletters
- Electrical apprentices receive electric shocks
- eSAFE Electrical apprentice– sign up to receive industry updates
More information
For information on apprenticeships and traineeships visit: