An Insulator
“Being an insulator is interesting and rewarding. One is able to earn a comfortable living for family. I’d recommend it as a career.”
—Michael Maguire, Administrator
What Do They Do
The work of an insulator covers industrial, commercial, transportation and cryogenics. Industrial applies to all types of industries such as chemical process and petrochemical. The commercial field includes buildings, building services and refrigerated spaces. Transportation includes the insulation of trucks, trailers, railroad cars and ships. Cryogenics is the field of low temperature service, such as required by the liquefied gases. The insulators today work with many types of materials, such as fiberglass, cork and calcium silicate. They insulate hot and cold piping, refrigerant lines, ductwork boilers and tanks.
Working Conditions
Insulators generally work indoors. They spend most of the workday on their feet either standing, bending, or kneeling. Insulation work if often dusty and dirty.
Interest and Temperament
Insulation work requires more coordination than strength. People should like to work with their hands and be able to work on ladders as well as in tight spaces.
General Qualifications
- Minimum age of seventeen and a half (17½)
Educational Background Recommended
Math, mechanical drawing, metal working, industrial arts
Admission Requirements of the Joint Apprentice Committee
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- Tests
- Interview
- Copy of birth certificate
- Valid driver’s license
- Personal Interview
- Operates under an “Eligibility List” System
Terms of Apprenticeship Training
- Apprenticeship shall be five (5) years
- Minimum of 7500 hours of on-the-job training
- Minimum of 144 hours of related classroom instruction per year
- Probationary period six (6) months
- Indentured to Joint Apprenticeship Committee
- Raises every six months if training hours are secured
Related Job Opportunities
Supervisor, shop superintendent, insulation contract estimator, business owner
Application and Information
Toledo Area Insulators JATC
4535 Hill Ave.
Toledo, OH 43615-5301
Telephone: (419) 531-5911
Fax: (419) 531-4392
The recruitment, selection, employment, training and promotion of apprentices shall be without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, disability/handicap or veteran status.
