New rules for supervising plumbing apprentices in NSW

New supervision standards for plumbing apprentices will take effect in New South Wales from 1 February 2026. These changes clarify what supervision means, who must provide it, and how it applies at different stages of an apprenticeship. The update comes from the NSW Building Commission, which worked with industry to make the requirements easier to understand and enforce, while still maintaining safety and quality standards in plumbing work. 

The plumbing sector raised concerns that existing supervision rules were confusing and difficult to apply consistently. In response, the Building Commission NSW has issued a Statement of Regulatory Intent (SRI) on supervision of plumbing apprentices under the Home Building Act 1989 and Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011. The aim is to support high standards of workmanship and safe practices on site, while recognising the ongoing shortage of qualified supervisors in the industry.

What supervision means under the new standards

The updated rules establish two clear categories of supervision: Immediate Supervision and General Supervision.

Immediate Supervision applies to first, second and third year apprentices, as well as unlicensed and unqualified workers in plumbing roles. Under this standard, a licensed plumbing supervisor must be physically present on site, ready to give guidance, monitor work as it happens, and ensure tasks are being completed correctly and safely. The supervisor must be readily available to provide specific instructions and feedback directly to the apprentice. In addition, for first and second-year apprentices, the supervisor must have clear line of sight of the work being done.

General Supervision applies to fourth year apprentices and tradesperson certificate holders who have completed their Certificate III in Plumbing. Under general supervision, the supervisor does not need to be on site at all times. Instead, they must remain accessible, for example by phone or virtual communication, and must check in regularly to provide oversight and help where needed. This balances workplace flexibility with regulatory expectations.

Who can supervise

Only licensed contractors or those holding a qualified supervisor certificate can provide either immediate or general supervision. For immediate supervision, a supervisor may have a qualified tradesperson support them to supervise no more than one apprentice at a time, but the licensed supervisor must still be on site and responsible for oversight.

Why it matters for employers

These changes affect how employers of plumbing apprentices plan their workforce and manage on-site training. Non-compliance with supervision requirements can lead to enforcement action from Building Commission NSW. Penalty infringement notices have already been issued in the past when apprentices were found working without proper supervision, and fines are possible under the Home Building Act.

What employers should do now

If you employ or host plumbing apprentices, take time to understand these updated supervision standards and ensure your supervisors hold the right licences or certificates. Check that your supervision arrangements match the apprentice’s current stage of training, that supervisors are present or reachable as required, and that work is regularly reviewed for compliance. Clear planning and communication between your supervisors and apprentices will help you meet the rules and maintain quality work on site.

The supervision requirements will be in effect until 31 January 2028, giving industry time to adapt and for broader regulatory reform to continue.