Supervision, mentoring and quality assurance
Supervision, mentoring and quality assurance
This domain tests how a certifying plumber supervises staff, mentors learners and assures quality. Expect supervision levels, competent workers, inspection and test plans, hold points, records and sign-off.
Core rules
- Match supervision to competence: direct supervision for inexperienced workers, general supervision for those who can work without constant attendance. The supervisor remains accountable for the completed work.
- Plan quality before work starts with an inspection and test plan: what is checked, by whom, at what hold point, and what record proves it.
- Verify grades, jointing, bedding, pressure tests, flue clearances, backflow devices and penetration seals at the right stage, before covering.
- Mentor by explaining the “why”, demonstrating the task, observing the learner and giving specific feedback. Record training and competence.
- Keep QA records: check sheets, test certificates, photos, as-builts and a defects register. Close defects and verify the fix.
Worked example
An apprentice installs a drainage line. The supervisor checks the setout and grade before bedding, inspects joints and inspection openings before covering, witnesses the test, and records the result. If the grade is wrong, the supervisor stops the work, corrects it and rechecks; they do not sign the record and hope the inspector misses it.
Traps
Signing off work you did not see, setting hold points after covering, using one supervision level for everyone, correcting defects without recording them, and treating mentoring as a toolbox talk only.