Cavity insulation installer
Cavity insulation installers fit insulation, soundproofing materials and cladding in residential and commercial buildings.
Also known as: Cavity wall installer
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£40,000 a year
- Typical hours40 to 44 a week
What you'll do
As a cavity wall installer, you could:
- carry out pre-installation surveys
- make marks to locate and avoid ventilation, wiring and pipework in buildings
- drill holes into walls and inject insulation materials into spaces
- re-fill drill holes and re-point mortar
- fit insulation materials in lofts and suspended ceilings
- attach pre-formed cladding to buildings
- remove and dispose of old materials safely
- check all airbricks and flues are clear
- make sure materials and methods meet building regulations
Working environment
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- physical skills like balance and co-ordination
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a cavity insulation installer
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could learn some relevant skills by doing a college course, such as:
- construction and building crafts
- insulation building treatments
- construction operations
Completing a college course can help when looking for a trainee job.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an insulation or construction company.
These include:
- Insulation Installation Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Commercial Thermal Insulation Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Industrial Thermal Insulation Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Direct application
You could apply directly for jobs. Employers will usually look for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in subjects like English, maths, or design and technology.
Experience in construction, loft insulation, pipe lagging or building cladding would be helpful.
Restrictions and requirements
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a team leader, site supervisor or estimator. You might also set up your own insulation fitting business.
Career tips
You would fit materials in new buildings and upgrade or retrofit insulation in older ones.
You'll work on all types of premises from schools and hospitals to domestic properties.
Registration
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Guides for this industry
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