Cavity Insulation Installer

Job Description:

Cavity insulation installers fit insulation, soundproofing materials and cladding in buildings.

Job Category:
Engineering & Construction

What you will do:

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

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As well as:

  • the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
  • physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative (ambition)
  • persistence and determination (drive)
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

To become a Cavity Insulation Installer, specific qualifications are not typically required. However, having a good general education and certain skills can be helpful in this profession. Cavity Insulation Installers are responsible for installing insulation materials in building cavities to improve energy efficiency. Here are some relevant subjects that can be beneficial:

  1. Mathematics: Basic math skills are important for measuring and cutting insulation materials, calculating material quantities, and ensuring accurate installation.
  2. Science: A basic understanding of scientific principles can be useful, especially when dealing with different insulation materials and their properties.
  3. Design and Technology (Optional): Courses in design and technology can provide insights into construction methods, materials, and tools used in insulation installation.

Post School

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could learn some relevant skills through a college course.

In the UK, for example, courses include:

  • Award in Construction Crafts
  • Diploma in Building Insulation Treatments
  • Certificate in Construction Operations
  • 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.

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships are relevant to this role:

commercial thermal insulation operative intermediate apprenticeship
industrial thermal insulation technician advanced apprenticeship

Direct Application

You could apply directly for jobs. Employers will usually look for subjects studied at high school, like English, maths or design and technology.

Experience in construction, lagging or cladding could be useful.

Working Hours and Environment:

A typical week consists of 42-44 hours of work. You could be required to work weekends.

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 & Progression:

With experience, you could become a team leader, site supervisor or estimator. You could also set up your own installation business.