Mate, let me paint you a picture. You’re flat out on a Friday arvo, the apprentice is hanging off a roof edge, and they’ve just finished wiring up a new switchboard under your supervision. The job looks good. But a week later, the homeowner calls you up screaming because a short circuit has fried their brand-new oven. Your first thought is: “Did my apprentice stuff this up? And am I covered for his work?”
It’s a bloody common question, and I’ve heard it a hundred times from blokes just starting out. You might think your apprentice is just an extra pair of hands, but in the eyes of insurance, they’re a walking, talking liability. If they make a mistake, it’s your name on the quote, your business on the line, and your bank account that’s getting hammered. So let’s cut through the bull and talk about what your tradie insurance actually covers when your apprentice is swinging the tools.
The Short Answer: Yes, But Only If You’ve Got the Right Cover
Look, I’ll give it to you straight: standard public liability insurance usually covers work done by your apprentice, but there are a few catches you need to know about. Most policies treat your apprentice as an “employee” or “worker under your direction,” which means their actions are your responsibility. If they cause damage to a client’s property—like that burnt-out oven—your public liability should kick in, as long as you’ve got the policy in place.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not automatic. If your policy has exclusions for “subcontractors” or “unqualified workers,” and your apprentice isn’t formally employed (say, you’ve got them on a casual arrangement through a group training organisation), you might be left holding the bag. In 2026, the average cost for public liability insurance for a tradie runs anywhere from $800 to $2,500 a year, depending on your trade and turnover. But that premium won’t mean squat if you haven’t read the fine print about who’s covered.
The golden rule is this: your apprentice is covered for work they do under your direct supervision. If you let them loose on a job site unsupervised, or they’re working on tasks outside their training scope, you’re asking for trouble. Insurers are getting sharper about this, especially after a few high-profile claims in 2025 where apprentices caused major damage on commercial sites.
What Types of Insurance Cover Apprentice Work?
You can’t just rely on one policy and hope for the best. Different types of cover handle different risks when your apprentice is involved. Here’s a breakdown of the main ones you need to know about.
Public Liability Insurance
This is the big one. Public liability covers you if your apprentice accidentally damages someone else’s property or injures a third party while on the job. Say your apprentice drops a hammer off scaffolding and it smashes a client’s window—this policy pays for the replacement and any legal fees if the client sues. Most standard policies in Australia include employees, including apprentices, as long as they’re working under your direction.
But here’s where it gets tricky: in New South Wales, if your apprentice is working on a residential construction site over $20,000, you’re required to have home building compensation cover (formerly known as home warranty insurance). That’s a separate beast, and it doesn’t usually cover apprentice mistakes unless the work is structural. In Victoria, the Domestic Building Insurance scheme applies for projects over $16,000, and again, your apprentice’s work is covered under your policy, but only if they’re properly supervised.
In Queensland, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) requires you to hold public liability insurance of at least $20 million for most licenced work. Your apprentice’s actions are covered, but if they’re not formally enrolled in a training contract, the QBCC might view them as unlicensed, and your insurance could be void. So get that paperwork sorted.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
This one’s non-negotiable in every state and territory. If your apprentice gets hurt on the job—say they fall off a ladder or get a nail through their hand—workers’ comp covers their medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation. In 2026, premiums vary by state. For example, in Western Australia, the rate for construction trades is around 2.5% to 4% of your apprentice’s wages. In South Australia, it’s closer to 3.5% to 5%. You can’t skip this, mate. If you don’t have workers’ comp, you’re personally liable for every cent, and the fines in states like Victoria can hit $100,000 or more.
The key thing here is that workers’ comp covers injuries to your apprentice, not damage they cause to others. That’s what public liability is for. Don’t mix them up.
Tool and Equipment Insurance
Your apprentice probably brings their own tools, or you’ve lent them some of yours. If they damage or lose those tools on a job site, your standard public liability won’t cover it. You need tool insurance, which typically covers tools up to a certain value—say $10,000 to $50,000—depending on your policy. In 2026, tool insurance for a tradie runs about $200 to $600 a year, and it’s worth every cent if your apprentice leaves your $2,000 drill on a roof overnight.
But watch out: most tool policies only cover tools owned by you or your business. If your apprentice brings their own gear, they need their own insurance. You can add them as a named user on your policy, but that might bump up your premium by 10% to 20%.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
If your trade involves giving advice or design work—like an electrician drawing up plans or a builder providing structural guidance—professional indemnity covers you if your apprentice gives bad advice that costs a client money. This is less common for tradies, but if you’re in a trade like engineering or architecture, it’s essential. In 2026, professional indemnity for tradies ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 a year, depending on your turnover and risk level.
When Does Insurance NOT Cover Your Apprentice?
Now, I’ve been around long enough to know that insurance companies love finding loopholes. Here are the common scenarios where your policy won’t pay out for your apprentice’s work.
Unsupervised Work
This is the biggest one. If your apprentice is working on a job site without you or another qualified tradie present, and they cause damage, most insurers will deny the claim. They’ll argue that the apprentice wasn’t under your “direct control,” and therefore, the work wasn’t covered. In New South Wales, the Home Building Act 1989 explicitly requires that all residential building work over $5,000 must be done by a licenced contractor or under their supervision. If your apprentice is unsupervised, you’re breaking the law, and your insurance is void.
Work Outside Their Training Scope
If your apprentice is a first-year sparky and you’ve got them doing plumbing work to save time, you’re asking for trouble. Insurers expect your apprentice to be working within the scope of their apprenticeship. If they cause damage doing a task they’re not trained for—like a chippy’s apprentice trying to install gas fittings—your claim will be rejected. In 2025, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) reported that 12% of apprenticeship-related insurance claims were denied because the work was outside the apprentice’s training scope. Don’t be that statistic.
Criminal Acts or Reckless Behaviour
If your apprentice deliberately damages property or acts recklessly—like joyriding a client’s excavator and crashing it—your insurance won’t cover it. That’s a criminal act, and you’ll be on the hook for the full cost. In extreme cases, you could lose your licence. In Queensland, the QBCC can suspend your licence for up to 12 months if your apprentice is found guilty of wilful damage on a job site.
Unlicensed Work
If your apprentice isn’t formally registered with the relevant state authority—like the NSW Fair Trading or the Victorian Building Authority—your insurance might not cover their work. In 2026, all states require apprentices to be enrolled in a training contract and registered with the state regulator. If they’re working “under the table,” you’re not only breaking the law, but your insurance is effectively useless. In Tasmania, the penalties for unlicensed work can include fines up to $50,000 and imprisonment for repeat offenders.
How to Make Sure Your Apprentice Is Covered
Alright, so you don’t want to end up in a claim dispute. Here’s a practical checklist to keep your apprentice’s work properly insured.
1. Get Your Apprentice Formally Employed
Don’t rely on verbal agreements or cash-in-hand arrangements. Put your apprentice on a proper employment contract, register them with the state apprenticeship authority, and make sure they’re enrolled in a recognised training course. In 2026, the Australian Apprenticeships Support Network provides free help with this. If they’re through a group training organisation, get written confirmation that they’re covered under your public liability policy.
2. Check Your Policy Wording
Every insurer has different definitions of “employee” and “worker under direction.” Some policies exclude apprentices who are under 18 or who are working in high-risk trades like roofing or demolition. Read your policy document—specifically the “Who Is Covered” section. If you’re unsure, call your insurer and ask: “Is my apprentice covered for public liability when they’re working under my supervision?” Get the answer in writing.
3. Supervise, Supervise, Supervise
This isn’t just about insurance—it’s about safety. In 2026, Safe Work Australia reports that apprentices are three times more likely to be injured on the job than experienced workers. So don’t leave them alone. If you have to step off site, either take them with you or have another qualified tradie watch them. In Victoria, the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires you to provide “adequate supervision” for all workers, including apprentices. If you don’t, you can be fined up to $300,000.
4. Add Them to Your Tool Insurance
If you lend your apprentice tools, add them as a named user on your tool insurance policy. Most insurers charge a small extra premium—around $50 to $100 a year—for this. It’s cheap peace of mind. If your apprentice uses their own tools, remind them to get their own insurance. A basic tool policy for an apprentice costs about $150 to $300 a year, and it’s worth it if their gear gets stolen.
5. Document Everything
Keep records of your apprentice’s training, supervision logs, and any instructions you give them. If a claim arises, you’ll need to prove that they were working under your direction and within their scope. In South Australia, the Consumer and Business Services requires tradies to keep supervision records for at least three years. A simple diary entry or a daily sign-off sheet can save your bacon.
State-by-State: What You Need to Know
Insurance laws vary across Australia, and your apprentice’s coverage depends on where you’re working. Here’s a quick rundown for 2026.
New South Wales: You need home building compensation cover for residential projects over $20,000. This covers your apprentice’s work, but only if it’s structural. Public liability of $20 million is standard. Workers’ comp is mandatory, with premiums around 3% of wages.
Victoria: Domestic Building Insurance applies for projects over $16,000. Your apprentice is covered under your public liability, but you must have a registered building practitioner licence. Workers’ comp rates are about 3.5% of wages.
Queensland: QBCC requires public liability of $20 million for licenced work. Apprentices must be registered with the QBCC. Workers’ comp is through WorkCover Queensland, with rates around 2.5% to 4% of wages.
Western Australia: Workers’ comp is through WorkCover WA, with rates from 2.5% to 4% of wages. Public liability is standard, but check for exclusions on unsupervised apprentices.
South Australia: Workers’ comp is through ReturnToWork SA, with rates around 3.5% to 5% of wages. Public liability policies often require apprentices to be formally employed.
Tasmania: Workers’ comp is through WorkCover Tasmania, with rates from 2% to 3.5% of wages. Public liability is standard, but supervision requirements are strict.
Australian Capital Territory: Workers’ comp is through WorkSafe ACT, with rates around 3% of wages. Public liability policies are similar to NSW.
Northern Territory: Workers’ comp is through NT WorkSafe, with rates from 2% to 3% of wages. Public liability is standard, but check for remote work exclusions.
If you’re comparing policies, platforms like BizCover let you compare quotes from multiple insurers, so you can see which ones cover apprentices properly. Just make sure you read the fine print before you buy.
What About Your Apprentice’s Mistakes on Your Own Property?
Here’s a scenario you might not have thought of: your apprentice is working on your own workshop or your own house, and they damage something. Say they’re helping you rewire your shed and they short out the main switchboard. Your public liability insurance won’t cover that, because it’s your property. You’d need to claim on your own property insurance, and even then, it might not cover “tradie work” done by an unqualified person (even an apprentice).
In this case, you’re better off treating the apprentice’s work as a training exercise and accepting the risk. If the damage is major, you might have to pay out of pocket. In 2026, the average cost of a switchboard replacement is around $1,500 to $3,000. So keep your apprentice off your own property until they’re fully qualified, or at least supervise them like a hawk.
FAQ: Common Questions About Apprentice Insurance Cover
Does my apprentice need their own insurance?
No, not usually. They’re covered under your public liability and workers’ comp policies if they’re formally employed. But if they bring their own tools, they should have their own tool insurance. Encourage them to get a basic policy—it’s cheap and protects their gear.
What if my apprentice is a family member?
It doesn’t matter if they’re your son, daughter, or nephew. The same rules apply. They must be formally employed, registered as an apprentice, and supervised. If they’re working for free or under the table, your insurance won’t cover them.
Can I be sued if my apprentice causes injury to a client?
Yes, absolutely. If your apprentice injures a client—say they trip over a tool and the client falls—the client can sue you for negligence. Your public liability insurance should cover this, but only if you had proper supervision and safety measures in place.
Does insurance cover my apprentice driving a work vehicle?
Not automatically. If your apprentice drives a company ute or van, you need to add them as a named driver on your commercial vehicle insurance. This usually costs an extra $100 to $300 a year. If they’re under 21, the premium might be higher.
What if my apprentice works for another tradie on the same site?
If your apprentice is working under your direction but on a site with other tradies, your insurance still applies. But if they’re helping another tradie without your knowledge, that’s a different story. Make sure you have a clear agreement with other contractors about who’s responsible for your apprentice.
How do I know if my policy covers apprentices?
Read the policy document’s “Definitions” section. Look for “employee,” “worker,” or “trainee.” If it doesn’t mention apprentices, call your insurer and ask. Get a written confirmation. In 2026, some insurers like CGU and QBE have specific endorsements for apprentices.
Can I claim for my apprentice’s lost tools?
Only if you have tool insurance that covers them. Public liability won’t pay for lost or stolen tools. If your apprentice loses your tools, you might need to claim on your own tool policy, but expect a higher excess.
What happens if my apprentice is injured and I don’t have workers’ comp?
You’ll be personally liable for all medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation. In states like Victoria, you can be fined up to $100,000 or more. You could also face criminal charges for failing to provide a safe workplace. Don’t risk it.
Final Thoughts: Treat Your Apprentice Like an Asset, Not a Liability
Look, I’ve been in the game long enough to know that a good apprentice is worth their weight in gold. They’ll save you time, earn you money, and eventually become a trusted tradesman. But you’ve got to protect yourself—and them—with the right insurance. Don’t cut corners on cover, don’t let them work unsupervised, and always read your policy.
If you’re ever in doubt, talk to your insurer or a broker. They’ll walk you through the specifics for your trade and state. And if you’re shopping around, platforms like BizCover make it easy to compare policies side by side. Just remember: insurance is a safety net, not a magic wand. Your apprentice’s work is your responsibility, so make sure you’re covered before the next job starts.