No, you don’t. You can apply for an apprenticeship with any thermal insulation contractor in England. 

TICA members do receive some benefits, such as no enrolment fees and free accommodation during training, but non-member companies can still take on apprentices with support from TICA. What prior qualifications are required to access the Apprenticeship(s)? 

No formal qualifications are needed to start the Level 2 Apprenticeship. 
You just need to be able to understand, speak, read, and write English well enough to take part in the training. 

If you’re aged 16–18 and haven’t achieved: 

• Functional Skills Level 1, or 
• GCSE Grade 1/G or above in maths and/or English, 

You’ll work towards these as part of your apprenticeship. 
TICA supports you through: 

• Face-to-face lessons at TICA House 
• One-to-one support when needed 
• Online learning between training blocks 

Before finishing your training, you’ll need to pass Level 1 maths and/or English to move forward. 

For the Level 3 Apprenticeship, it’s better to already have your Level 2 maths and English before starting. If you don’t have these yet, you’ll work towards them during the programme. 

If you’re 19 or over, you may be able to opt out of Functional Skills if both you and your employer agree. 

Most people new to the industry start with the Level 2 Apprenticeship. 

This covers the core skills and techniques needed for thermal insulation work. Once you complete the Level 2 and have worked in the industry for four years in total, you’ll receive your Indentures and a Blue Skilled Worker Card. 

If you already have experience or want to move into advanced techniques, metal fabrication, or team leadership, you can progress to the Level 3 Apprenticeship. 

This can lead to either a Gold Advanced Craft Card or a Gold Supervisor Card, depending on the route you take. 
TICA will help you decide which level best suits your skills and goals. 

You’ll gain a wide range of practical skills, not just for your current job but for your future career. 

You’ll learn to: 

• Work confidently with different insulation materials and techniques 
• Understand a variety of project types 
• Build transferable skills to help you progress in the industry 

Your training is government-funded and follows a nationally recognised standard, so you’ll finish with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to work safely and professionally anywhere in the UK. 

As the body that issues the TICA Skill Card, TICA makes sure all training meets the industry benchmark for a Skilled Worker. 

Your progress is reviewed regularly to make sure you’re on track and getting the right support. 

Every 10–12 weeks, you’ll have a review meeting with: 

• A member of the TICA training team, and 
• Your line manager or supervisor on site 

These reviews are usually held online or by phone and are a chance to talk about what’s going well, anything you’re finding difficult, and the next steps in your training. 

During your apprenticeship, you’ll complete Off-the-Job (OTJ) training — this just means any learning that happens outside your usual day-to-day work but still helps you build your skills, knowledge, and behaviours. 

Examples include: 

• Learning new insulation techniques or materials 
• Watching demonstrations or product training 
• Toolbox talks or mentoring sessions 
• Working alongside experienced team members to learn new tasks 

You’ll record all of this in your online learning portfolio, which TICA will show you how to use during your first visit to TICA House. 

If you need to travel to TICA House in Darlington for your training, your accommodation will be arranged and paid for by your employer or through the funding scheme. 

Your employer will also help with travel arrangements and expenses for each training block. 

Breakfast is provided free of charge during your stay, and there are facilities for lunch and evening meals nearby. 

You’ll earn a wage throughout your apprenticeship — both while you’re training at TICA House and when you’re working on-site with your employer. 

The minimum pay rates are set out in the TICA Apprentice Rates, which are updated every year to reflect current pay conditions. 
You can view the latest rates here: 
👉 TICA Apprentice Rates and Allowances 2025 

Your pay will depend on: 

• Your age when you start 
• Which year of your apprenticeship you’re in 

Each year, your rate increases as you gain more skills and experience. Some employers may also choose to pay above these minimum rates. 

Once qualified, experienced thermal insulation engineers can earn a strong salary, reflecting the skill and specialist knowledge involved in the job. 

No — you can apply even if you haven’t found an employer yet. 
TICA works closely with thermal insulation companies across the UK and can help match you with one that’s right for you. 

We’ll support you by: 

• Connecting you with local employers who are looking to take on apprentices 
• Sharing your details with interested companies once you’ve applied 
• Letting you know about new vacancies and opportunities near you 
• Supporting you through interviews and enrolment when you’re offered a role 

Once you’ve been matched with an employer, you’ll be ready to start your apprenticeship and begin working in the industry. 

You’ll need to be employed by a company before starting the apprenticeship programme, but many learners find their role through TICA’s recruitment support. 

Some employers may offer a short work experience or trial period before the official start, which helps you get a feel for the job and see if it’s the right fit. 

Training takes place through block release — where you spend short periods at TICA House in Darlington to learn practical skills and theory. 

For the Level 2 Apprenticeship, this usually includes: 

• Six block visits, each lasting two weeks 
• Spread over around 18 months 
• Visits every 10–14 weeks
• Training runs Monday to Thursday, 8:00am–5:15pm, leaving Fridays free for travel 

If you go on to complete the Level 3 Apprenticeship, you’ll have a similar schedule with one or two extra visits. 

This setup gives you time to gain real on-site experience between training blocks while keeping your learning structured and manageable. 

If your situation changes, don’t worry — TICA can help. 
You’ll need to be employed to continue your apprenticeship, but we can support you in finding another employer so that your training isn’t interrupted. 

Just let us know as soon as possible, and we’ll guide you through the next steps. 

To work on a construction site, you need a CSCS Skill Card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme). 
It shows employers and site managers that you’ve had the right training and health & safety checks to work safely and professionally. 

Everyone in the industry carries one — from apprentices to experienced insulation engineers. 

Yes. If you’ve been offered a job or are about to start your apprenticeship and need to go on site, you can apply for a Provisional CSCS Card. 

• It’s for people who are about to start a qualification 
• It’s valid for six months only and can’t be renewed 
• You can apply directly through the CSCS or CITB websites (no need to pay a third party) 

Once you’re fully enrolled on your apprenticeship, TICA will help you move onto the next stage of your card. 

When you attend your first training block at TICA House, you’ll: 

• Take your Health & Safety test 
• Complete Asbestos Awareness training 
• Be registered for your Red Apprentice CSCS Card 

🟥 The Red Apprentice Card proves you’re officially training in thermal insulation and allows you to work on site during your apprenticeship. 
It’s valid for four years, which covers your whole apprenticeship. 

TICA will handle the application for your Red Card once you’ve completed the necessary training. 

When you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll move onto a Blue Skilled Worker Card (after Level 2) or a Gold Advanced Craft/Supervisor Card (after Level 3). 

These cards show you’re fully qualified and can work as a skilled insulation engineer.

You’ll have support from both your employer and TICA: 

• Your employer will help you gain experience on site and put your new skills into practice 
• The TICA team will guide you through training, reviews, and your final assessment 

If you ever have any problems or need extra help, your TICA tutor or mentor is always available to talk. 

If you’re worried about yourself or something doesn’t feel right, please don’t keep it to yourself. Support is available, and you will be listened to.

You can:

• Speak to TICA’s Safeguarding Lead, Lynne Lambe
  Call 01325 466704 or email llambe@tica.uk.com

• Speak to any member of the TICA Training Team

• Tell a trusted member of staff, such as a tutor, assessor, or supervisor

• Call the police on 101 (non-emergency) or 999 if you are in immediate danger

• Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Remember, no concern is too small. Asking for help is the right thing to do, and support is there for you.

Yes. If you have anything in your life or at work that makes things more difficult for you, you can speak to us.

This might include things like a learning difficulty or disability, being in care or care-experienced, having recently left prison, or any other situation that affects how you’re feeling or how you’re coping.

Our safeguarding and learner support team can work with you and your employer to put the right support in place, helping you feel safe, supported, and able to progress in your apprenticeship.

You don’t have to know exactly what support you need to ask for help. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to talk to us.