Thermal insulation installer

How to become a thermal insulation installer

There are several routes to becoming a thermal insulation installer. You can start on your career path by studying on a college course, an apprenticeship, or by applying directly to an employer.

You should explore these options to becoming a thermal insulation installer, to see which is right for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You'll need a Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) skill card to train and work on commercial and industrial sites

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site. 

College/training provider

You may have to attend a specialist college/training provider to train as a thermal insulation installer.

To study these courses, you’ll generally need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained 
• Find a course near you 
• Funding advice 

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

To become a thermal insulation installer, you could complete a thermal insulation operative and technician intermediate or advanced apprenticeship.

To gain entry onto the apprenticeship, you’ll generally need:

• Some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have previous experience in a relevant area of construction, such as a labourer in a heating engineering or construction company, you may be able to complete on the job training to become a thermal insulation installer. Alternatively, you could start out as a trainee assistant to a more experienced thermal insulation installer and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in the construction industry. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience 

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a thermal insulation installer include:

• Knowledge of building and construction
• To be thorough and pay attention to detail
• The ability to use your initiative
• The ability to work well with your hands
• Knowledge of maths
• Persistence and determination
• The ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• To be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.

Qualifications

What does a thermal insulation installer do?

As a thermal insulation installer you will be responsible for fitting insulation materials on commercial and constriction sites, keeping heat either in or out to improve energy conservation.

The role of a thermal insulation installer involves:

• Planning where to put insulation by referring to building layout designs
• Choosing the best materials and tools to use for a particular job
• Preparing and cleaning areas to be insulated
• Measuring and cutting insulation materials to size
• Fastening insulation using clips, sprays, adhesives or wire bands
• Covering the insulated equipment with sheet metal cladding to protect it from damage or bad weather
• Using machines to blow insulating materials into cavities in wall and floors
• Sealing work areas after fitting insulation
• Removing old insulation, like asbestos, in line with health and safety regulations.

How much could you earn as a thermal insulation installer?

The expected salary for a thermal insulation installer varies as you become more experienced. 

• Trainee thermal insulation installers can earn £18,000 - £21,000
• Trained thermal insulation installers can earn £21,000 – £30,000
• Senior thermal insulation installers can earn up to £45,000.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest thermal insulation installer vacancies:  

• Indeed 
• Totaljobs 

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up. 

Career path and progression

As a thermal insulation installer, you could take further training while you work to move into a technical, supervisory or managerial role, like foreperson, site safety officer or building services technician.

You could also find work in a related industry, like heating and ventilation engineering or air-conditioning and refrigeration.

Alternatively, you could set yourself up as self-employed.