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.