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Insulator |
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Select Alternate Year - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009
Insulators apply, remove and repair thermal and acoustical insulation (e.g., calcium silicate, glass foam, mineral wool, styrofoam, fibreglass) on all types of industrial equipment (e.g., duct piping, heat exchangers, tanks, vessels).
In general, insulators:
Insulators work both indoors and outdoors, often in uncomfortable or potentially hazardous circumstances: in very hot or cold settings, on ladders or scaffolding, in cramped areas, with materials that are dusty, itchy or toxic. They must observe safety precautions and use equipment such as respirators, coveralls, and safety glasses/goggles.
Insulators usually work a 40-hour, five-day week but may work 40 hours in four days. Some overtime may be required to meet construction deadlines. Those employed in the maintenance of industrial plants may work shifts.
The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy doing tasks precisely. It is also an occupation for people who prefer stability and security.
To be successful in their trade, insulators need:
Insulators are employed by construction companies, insulation contractors and industrial plant. This occupation is subject to business cycle swings which can lead to periodic high levels of unemployment.
Journeyperson wage rates are competitive with other trades in similar industry sectors, but generally range from $26.00 to $34.00 an hour plus benefits.
Insulators may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, general foreman or superintendent. They may also advance to estimator positions. Estimators review blueprints for proposed work, determine how much material will be needed and how long the work will take.
To work as an Insulator in Alberta, a person must:
Insulators learn their skills by registering with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training to participate in apprenticeship training and, upon successful completion, are awarded the Alberta Journeyman Certificate.
An insulator who holds a valid trade certificate from Alberta or from another Canadian province or territory may apply to write the Interprovincial Exam and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal under the Interprovincial Standards Program. The Red Seal is recognized throughout most of Canada.
An insulator who holds a certificate that was issued by another recognized apprenticeship authority in Canada (province, territory or federal jurisdiction) may apply for an Alberta Equivalency document under the Equivalency Program.
Insulators who:
may be eligible to apply for trade certification under the Qualification Certificate Program.
Individuals possessing a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, an Alberta Occupational Certificate, or a credential that is recognized as equivalent to an Alberta trade or occupational certificate are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
The term of apprenticeship for an insulator is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1375 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of technical training in the first and second year, 1300 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training in the third year, and 1600 hours of on-the-job training in the fourth year.
To learn the skills required of an insulator in Alberta and be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates and may select apprentices from among their current employees.
- during on-the-job training, apprentice insulators earn at least 50 percent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 60 percent in the second, 70 percent in the third, and 80 percent in the fourth year.
- select an educational institution that offers training for Insulator apprentices, and a time to attend training (see Technical Training Locations and Schedule)
- determine requirements for enrolling at the selected institution, and forward completed enrollment form to the selected institution (see Enrollment Instructions)
Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal. (see Exam Counselling Sheets)
When apprentices attend technical training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies.
Grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information see Financial Assistance or contact an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office.
To qualify for a Red Seal, a person must:
- an Alberta trade certificate or completion of apprenticeship certificate, OR
- a journeyperson or completion of apprenticeship certificate issued by another Canadian province or territory
To qualify for an Equivalency document based on a recognized credential, a person must:
A person who has a recognized certificate, as described above, does not require an Alberta Equivalency document to work in the trade in Alberta. However, some employers may require an Alberta Equivalency document as proof that the certificate is equivalent to the requirements of the trade in Alberta.
To qualify for a Qualification Certificate based on Canadian credentials, a person must:
To qualify for an Alberta Qualification Certificate based on work experience, a person must:
Time spent on supervisory or foreman duties, counter work, heading the tool crib, or on a training course is NOT counted as ‘hands-on’ work experience.
This application fee covers the verification and assessment of the applicant's work experience hours/months as well as one attempt at the Qualification Certificate theory examination. The Qualification Certificate practical examination requires a separate fee as identified on the application noted above.
