Overview
Learn to apply, remove and repair thermal and acoustical insulation on all types of commercial and industrial equipment - such as calcium silicate, glass foam, mineral wool, styrofoam and fibreglass - on all types of commercial and industrial equipment.
Throughout your career, you will read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine insulation requirements, select the amount and type of insulation to be installed as well as the method of securing the insulation according to the type and shape of the surface, whether or not the equipment is cold or hot, inside or outside and what the equipment is going to be used for.
You'll also measure, cut and fit insulating material and coverings to the required shape and dimension, install vapour barriers and finish insulated surfaces by applying metal cladding, canvas, plastic sheeting or cement and remove or seal old asbestos insulation.
Is this the right fit for me?
Insulators are skilled tradespeople who are comfortable working at heights, collaborating with others and working independently. This line of work is most fulfilling for those who enjoy working with their hands and are driven by quality, precise work.
To thrive in this career, it is important to have the following traits:
- creative problem solvers
- committed to precise, detail-oriented work
- manual dexterity
- strength, stamina, and ability to use proper lifting techniques for items up to 25 kg
- ability to work at various elevations, in confined spaces, and in hot and cold environments
- ability to work alone or in a team environment
- commitment to safe work habits
Credentials
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
This is a Red Seal Endorsed trade – a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.
Career opportunities
As an insulator, you will likely be employed by construction companies, insulation contractors and industrial plants. You will work indoors and outdoors all year round in both commercial and industrial settings.
After becoming a journeyperson, you may advance to supervisory positions or take on new apprentices. Insulators may advance to positions such as foreman, general foreman, site superintendent or other management opportunities. They may also advance to estimator positions. Estimators review blueprints for proposed work, determine how much material will be needed and how long the work will take.
Some journeypersons go on to run their own businesses — we can help you build your business with our Blue Seal business certificate.
Tuition and fees 2023/24
- Period 1: $1,234
- Period 2: $1,234
- Period 3: $1,234
Requirements
Entrance requirements for all apprenticeship programs are set by Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Admission requirements
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 10-2
- Math 10-3
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended path
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 20 OR Chemistry 20 OR Science 20
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
When do classes start?
Registration for the 2023/24 academic year opens May 10, 2023.
| Period | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Oct. 20, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
| 3 | Jan. 8, 2024 | Feb. 23, 2024 |
| 1 | Feb. 26, 2024 | April 12, 2024 |
How to register
Registration for apprenticeship education is run through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Learn how you can register for your next intake.
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services
1.800.248.4823
tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Suite 200 Willow Park Centre
10325 Bonaventure DR. SE
Calgary, AB
After you register
Email is the primary source of communication after you have registered for your intake. Please ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Training
The term of apprenticeship for an insulator (heat and frost) is three years (three 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1517 hours of on-the-job training and seven weeks of classroom instruction each year.
You will start by learning standard and specific workplace safety, tools, accessories and equipment. You will then learn hot and cold applications, dual temperature applications as well as math and blueprints level one.
You will then learn canvas on insulated piping, ducts and equipment, pattern layouts level one, coverings, specialized applications level one as well as math and blueprints level two.
You will then learn Red Seal program, specialized applications level two, pattern layout level two, pipe rack layout as well as math and blueprint level three.
Apprenticeship education performance
To be successful in apprenticeship education, an apprentice must pass each section of the course and pass the AIT exam. The passing grade for each section in the course is a 65%. A passing mark on each provincial exam and the interprovincial qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
Costs 2022/23
Tuition and fees*
| Period | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $840 | $231 | $63 | $1,134 |
| 2 | $840 | $231 | $63 | $1,134 |
| 3 | $840 | $231 | $63 | $1,134 |
SAIT fees
Campus recreation fee: $49
Lab and material fee: $82
Student support fee: $50
Student technology fee: $50
Books and supplies*
- Books or modules along with other items for class average out to $600 per period.
- It is recommended that you do not purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes and they cannot be returned to the bookstore.
- Personal Protective Equipment will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees*
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023.
| Period | Number of weeks | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | $924 | $247 | $63 | $1,234 |
| 2 | 7 | $924 | $247 | $63 | $1,234 |
| 3 | 7 | $924 | $247 | $63 | $1,234 |
Fees breakdown
| SAIT fees | Cost per period |
|---|---|
| Lab and materials fee | $90 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 |
| Campus recreation fee | $51.50 |
| Total | $247 |
Saitsa fee per week: $9
Learn more about what your fees are for
Books and supplies*
- Books or modules along with other items for class average out to $600 per period.
- It is recommended that you do not purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes and they cannot be returned to the bookstore.
- Personal Protective Equipment will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
