Heat & Frost Insulator Apprenticeship

Did you know?*

Workers must follow strict safety guidelines to protect themselves from insulating irritants.
Most insulation workers learn their work informally on the job; others complete formal apprenticeship programs.
Job opportunities are expected to be excellent.
Apprenticeship period is normally 4 years.

*Statistics retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What Does a Heat & Frost Insulator Do?

Heat and Frost Insulators specialize in the installation and maintenance of insulation systems, for the conservation of energy and the control of the environment in buildings and premises requiring temperature control, heat transfer, sound barriers, fire protection, fire stopping, and asbestos abatement.

Heat & Frost Insulating includes the manufacturing, fabricating, assembling, moulding, handling, erecting, spraying, pouring, mixing, hanging, preparing, applying, adjusting, altering, repairing, dismantling, reconditioning, testing, and maintaining of insulating materials and systems used in this trade.

The work of the insulator encompasses all facets of the trade; such as, handling or distributing materials on job premises; operating equipment and tools of the trade; applying pipe and boiler coverings; insulating hot and cold surfaces, ducts, flues, and all protective coverings required on insulation materials; erecting scaffolding; and, conducting asbestos abatement.

Tasks:

Apply, remove, and repair insulation on industrial equipment, pipes, ductwork, or other mechanical systems such as heat exchangers, tanks, and vessels, to help control noise and maintain temperatures.
Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement or asphalt mastic.
Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.
Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required.
Install protective jacking around insulated mechanical systems in order to protect the insulation from weather conditions or physical damage.
Install fire-stopping based on state and local codes.
Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using various hand and power tools.
Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.
Read blueprints and specifications to determine job requirements.

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What Are the Working Conditions?

Insulation workers generally work indoors. They spend most of the workday on their feet, either standing, bending or kneeling. Sometimes, they will be required to work in confined spaces; such as: tunnels, lifts, ladders and other high places. The work is not strenuous and requires more coordination than strength. Insulation work is often dusty and dirty. The minute particles from insulation materials, especially when blown, can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system. Removing cancer-causing asbestos insulation is a hazardous task and is done by specially trained workers. To protect themselves from the dangers of asbestos and irritants, workers follow strict safety guidelines, take decontamination showers, keep work areas well ventilated and wear protective suits, masks and respirators. Insulation workers must be able to climb and able to work at heights. Insulation workers must be able to travel. Some of these locations will be 80 or more miles from home. These workers will be expected to provide own transportation to get to these sites.

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How is the Training Structured?

4 year training program
6,240 hours on-the-job training
400 hours paid related instruction
Apprentice must in his/her final year complete the Transition-To-Trainer Course

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What are the Application Requirements?

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
High school diploma or equivalent
Meet required norms on aptitude test (if required)
Physically able to perform trade

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What Skills Should I Possess?

Building and Construction- Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction of buildings.
Mathematics- Knowledge of arithmetic, basic geometry, and their applications.
Level of Educational Attainment- Possess high school diploma or have attained a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), or high school equivalency certificate.
Transportation- Possess a valid driver’s license or the ability to get to and from the job site and school.
Communication Skills- Knowledge of reading, writing, and the ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
Gross Body Equilibrium- The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Strength- The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift or have the knowledge to know when to ask for help with lifting heavier objects, push, pull, or carry objects. The ability to use the abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Multilimb Coordination/Flexibility- The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Stamina- The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Manual Dexterity- The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Problem Solving- The ability to be a self starter and to work together as a team.

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Who Should I Contact In My Area?

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
ABC of Wisconsin	5330 Wall St. Madison, WI 53718 Phone: (608) 244-6056 Fax: (608) 244-2401	Burt Harding Mary Harrington Kathy O'Sullivan
Northern WI Area Heat & Frost JAC	3315 N Ballard Rd. Suite D Appleton, WI 54911-8988 Phone: (920) 734-3148 Fax: (920) 734-6754	Lisa Perkofski
Southern WI Heat & Frost Insulators JAC	N27 W23155 Roundy Dr Pewaukee, WI 53072 Phone: (262) 478-7879 Fax: (262) 548-9603	Barbara Robakowski

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Additional Resources

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains information on all occupations. For more information on the Heat and Frost Insulator trade in the United States, visit:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos192.htm

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Sources: Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Position Descriptions,
Apprenticeship in Wisconsin Handbook