Skip to the main content
This website uses cookies to give you a better online experience. By using this website or closing this message, you are agreeing to our cookie policy. More information
Alberta Supports Contact Centre

Toll Free 1-877-644-9992

Apprenticeship

Insulator (Heat and Frost)

Insulators (heat and frost) apply, remove and repair thermal and acoustical insulation (for example, calcium silicate, glass foam, mineral wool, styrofoam, fibreglass) on all types of industrial equipment (for example, duct piping, heat exchangers, tanks, vessels).

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 7293: Insulators

2006 NOC-S

  • H143: Insulators

2011 NOC

  • 7293: Insulators

2016 NOC

  • 7293: Insulators

2021 NOC

  • 72321: Insulators

2023 OaSIS

  • 72321.00: Insulators
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Duties vary from one position to another but, in general, insulators (heat and frost select the amount and type of insulation to be installed and a method for securing the insulation, such as spraying, pinwelding, wiring, pasting, strapping or taping. The choice of insulation and the method depends on the type and shape of the surface, whether or not the equipment is cold or hot or inside or outside, and what the equipment is going to be used for.

Insulators also:

  • Read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine insulation requirements
  • Measure and cut insulating material and coverings to the required shape and dimension
  • Fit insulation around obstructions or shape insulation materials and protective coverings
  • Install vapour barriers and finish insulated surfaces by applying metal cladding, canvas, plastic sheeting or cement
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Insulators (heat and frost) 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 or with materials that are dusty, itchy or toxic. They must observe safety precautions and use equipment such as respirators, coveralls and safety glasses or goggles.

Insulators may work a 40-hour, 5-day week or work 40 hours in 5 days. They may see some overtime to meet construction deadlines. Those employed in the maintenance of industrial plants may work shifts.

Lifting or moving items that weigh up to 25 kilograms may be required.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Insulators

2006 NOC: 7293

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in copying information to apply waterproofing cement over insulating materials to finish surfaces, and to install vapour barriers

OBJECTIVE

Interest in operating hand and power tools to measure and cut insulating materials to required dimensions

innovative

Interest in fitting insulation around obstructions and between studs and joints

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Insulators (heat and frost) need:

  • Precision
  • Manual dexterity
  • Strength and stamina
  • Agility to work in cramped spaces
  • Comfort with heights and working in hot and cold environments
  • The ability to work alone or as part of a team

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Insulators

2016 NOC: 7293

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 11, 2023 and Mar 26, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Measure and cut insulating materials to required shape and dimensions using hand and power tools
Tasks: Fit insulation around obstructions and between joists and studs
Tasks: Apply and secure insulation using spraying, blowing, pasting, strapping, taping and other application and installation methods
Tasks: Select type of insulation required
Tasks: Install vapour barriers and fire-retardant materials
Tasks: Fabricate and apply removable insulation pads and covers
Tasks: Read and interpret blueprints, maps, drawings and specifications
Tasks: Brush waterproofing cement or other material over insulating materials
Tasks: Assemble, erect and dismantle scaffolding, rigging and hoisting equipment
Work Setting: Construction
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Apprenticeship

To work in Alberta, an insulator (heat and frost) must be ONE of the following:

  • A registered apprentice
  • An Alberta-certified journeyperson
  • Someone who holds a recognized related trade certificate
  • Someone who works for an employer who is satisfied that the worker has the skills and knowledge expected of certified journeyperson
  • Self-employed

To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:

  • Have an Alberta high school transcript with at least English Language Arts 10-2, Math 10-3, or equivalent
  • Have a pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
  • Pass an entrance exam

Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

The term of apprenticeship is 3 years (three 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,517 hours of on-the-job training and 7 weeks of classroom instruction each year.

High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).

Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.

Insulator apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).

Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.


Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

Apprenticeship Trades

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Insulator (Heat and Frost)

Insulators (heat and frost) apply, remove and repair thermal and acoustical insulation (for example, calcium silicate, glass foam, mineral wool, styrofoam, fibreglass) on all types of industrial equipment (for example, duct piping, heat exchangers, tanks, vessels). For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Insulator (Heat and Frost).

Additional Information

Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Insulators (heat and frost) are employed by:

  • Construction companies
  • Fabrication facilities
  • Industrial plants
  • Insulation contractors

This occupation is subject to business cycle swings that can lead to periodic high levels of unemployment.

Insulators may advance to supervisory or management positions such as foreman, general foreman or superintendent, or move into estimator positions.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 7293: Insulators occupational group, 82.9% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 7293: Insulators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 59 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Journeyperson insulators (heat and frost) wage rates vary but generally range from $30 to $42 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 50% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 60% in the second, and 70% in the third.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Insulators

2016 NOC: 7293
Average Wage
$35.56
Per Hour
Average Salary
$81,356.00
Per Year
Average Hours
44.2
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.8
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 7293 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $23.00 $35.00 $28.99 $26.00
Overall $25.00 $38.00 $35.56 $36.88
Top $28.85 $53.00 $43.93 $48.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Construction

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
37%
37%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
28%
28%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
11%
11%
Vacancy Rate
5%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers website: www.insulators.org

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

Was this page useful?