Overview
Insulators apply insulation materials to plumbing, air-handling, heating, cooling and refrigeration systems, piping equipment and pressure vessels, and walls, floors and ceilings of buildings and other structures, to prevent or reduce the passage of heat, cold, sound or fire. They are employed by construction companies and insulation contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine insulation requirements and select type of insulation required
Measure and cut insulating material to required dimensions using hand and power tools
Apply and secure insulation using spraying, blowing, pasting, strapping, taping and other application and installation methods
Fit insulation around obstructions and between studs and joists
Install vapour barriers
Apply waterproofing cement over insulating materials to finish surfaces
Remove asbestos or urea-formaldehyde insulation from buildings when required.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$45,883
$68,095
$91,412
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
194expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in insulating is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
Trade certification for insulators (heat and frost) is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Insulators in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Insulators
- Insulator Red Seal Certification
Skilled Trades Certification - Insulators
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as an insulator in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Insulator Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Work Experience
Work experience recommended
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No programs available in B.C.
There are currently no programs offered at public post-secondary institutions in B.C. that will qualify you for this career. Please see the SkilledTradesBC website for other options.