Trade Programs:
Insulator (Heat & Frost)
For more information about this trade, contact the training
co-ordinator.
What does an Insulator (Heat
& Frost) do?
An insulator (heat and frost) is trained to:
- read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine
insulation requirements
- select the amount and type of installation to be installed
- select the method of securing the insulation according to the
conditions and uses
- measure and cut insulating material and coverings to the required
specifications
- fit insulation around obstacles or shape insulation materials
and protective coverings
- install vapour barriers and finish insulated surfaces
- remove or seal off old asbestos insulation
What skills/abilities are required?
An insulator (heat and frost) requires the following:
- good communication skills,
- good reading skills to interpret drawings and specifications
- manual dexterity
- teamwork skills
- problem solving abilities
- willingness to keep up to date with new developments
- ability to work under pressure and in uncomfortable conditions
How long is
the apprenticeship program?
The apprenticeship is three years of three levels. Practical and
technical training is a minimum of 1500 hours per level. About 80
per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills
under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent
consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the
trade through in-school training.
What is the supervision ratio?
As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it
is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled
journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary
to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.
For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required
to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site
and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a
certified journeyperson in the trade.
What are the entrance
requirements?
Senior Years Apprenticeship Option: Begin your
apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years
in required.
General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high
school academic standing is required. If you are 19 years or older
and do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as a
Mature Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be
required.
Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in
the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may
become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry
experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination.
A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience
form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness
is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.
For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin
your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How
to Start".
Do I get a certificate?
When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical
experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial
examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify
for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate
confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.
Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification
as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.
What salary can I expect as an
apprentice?
The Insulator (Heat and Frost) Trade Regulation states that while
an apprentice is working on the job, an employer must pay the apprentice
a percentage of the prevailing journeyperson’s wages, which
can be no less than:
- 58% during level one
- 69% during level two
- 81% during level three
- 92% during level four
Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the
wage rate in the collective agreement if this rate exceeds the pay
rates specified in the trade regulation.
Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance
for health, dental and vision care and training benefits. In total,
the value of the benefits can range from 20 per cent to 30 per cent
over and above the basic hourly pay rate.
Current wage details are available by downloading the training
wage schedule
What are the career prospects?
Insulators (heat and frost) are employed by construction companies
and insulation contractors, or may be self-employed. Employment
demand in this trade is stable.
|
To view PDF files, you must have a copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader
which is available as a free download.
