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Thermal insulation engineer

Alternative titles for this job include Pipework lagger, thermal insulation installer

Thermal insulation engineers install insulating materials around pipes, boilers and ductwork in factories and buildings.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a thermal insulation engineer

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You can do a college course to get some of the skills needed in this job. Courses include:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering
  • Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating
  • Level 2 Diploma in Engineering

Entry requirements

You may need:

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can do a thermal insulation operative and technician intermediate or advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually 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

More Information

Work

You could start work as a labourer with a construction or heating engineering company, and do training on the job to become an insulation engineer.

Direct Application

You can get into this work if you've got experience and qualifications in pipe fitting, heating and ventilation, refrigeration or air conditioning.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about careers in thermal insulation from the Building and Engineering Services Association and ECITB Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You will:

  • plan where to put insulation
  • choose the best materials and tools to use for a particular job
  • prepare and clean areas to be insulated
  • measure and cut insulation materials to size
  • fasten insulation using clips, sprays, adhesives or wire bands
  • seal work areas after fitting insulation
  • remove old insulation, like asbestos, in line with health and safety regulations

Working environment

You could work on a construction site, in a factory or at a manufacturing plant.

Your working environment may be cramped, dusty and physically demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Commercial Thermal Insulation Operative

  • Wage: £11,856.00 Annually
  • Location: BURTON UPON TRENT, STAFFORDSHIRE
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Access to Building Services

  • Provider: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Birmingham

HNC Building Services Engineering

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Maidstone
Find courses near you

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