Cavity insulation installer
Cavity insulation installers fit insulation, soundproofing materials and cladding in buildings.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As an installer you would:
- set up scaffolding or access platforms where required
- carry out pre-installation surveys
- mark out ventilation, wiring and pipework ducts in buildings
- work out the volume of space to be filled and the amount of materials needed
- drill holes into the walls of a building
- inject insulation materials into cavity spaces or fit pre-formed cladding
- re-fill drill holes and re-point mortar
- check all airbricks and flues are clear
- make sure materials and methods meet building regulations
Working environment
You could work at a client's business, at a client's home or on a construction site.
Your working environment may be at height, cramped and physically demanding.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a team leader, site supervisor or estimator. You could also set up your own installation business.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of building and construction
- physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- persistence and determination
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
You could learn some relevant skills through a college course like:
- Level 1 Award in Construction Crafts
- Level 2 Diploma in Building Insulation Treatments
- Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations
- Level 2 Certificate in Construction and Building Crafts
These courses will give you some of the skills and knowledge you'll need to apply for trainee jobs.
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
More Information
The following apprenticeships are relevant to this role:
- commercial thermal insulation operative intermediate apprenticeship
- industrial thermal insulation technician 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
You could apply directly for jobs. Employers will usually look for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in subjects like English, maths or design and technology.
Experience in construction, lagging or cladding could be useful.
Registration
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Further information
You can find out more about working in cavity insulation from Go Construct.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.