Background: Postgraduate general practice training is an apprenticeship of learning to be a general practitioner by working as a general practitioner under supervision. During this apprenticeship, registrars learn the art, craft and ethics of their vocation, and how to apply clinical knowledge and skills in different contexts.
Objective: This article summarises how registrars learn, and the role of general practice supervisors and training practices in supporting their education.
Discussion: General practice supervisors form educational alliances with registrars that provide the foundation for deep and broad learning. Overseeing patient safety requires supervisors to respond to registrars' queries and monitor them proactively. Registrars learn best in practices that include them in all their work and share their expertise. Specific issues raised by teams of part-time super-visors, and by rural and remote practice, are discussed. Finally, teaching practices are recommended to seek and implement feedback from registrars.