The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) is defying a national decline in apprenticeships and is on track to welcome a record 200 apprentices to its national training centre in 2025.
It highlights the trade organisation’s proactive efforts to raise the profile of both the thermal insulation sector and the rewarding career opportunities it offers, a commitment it will further demonstrate during National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February) through nationwide careers fairs and college visits by its expert trainers.
This achievement stands in stark contrast to recent data, including House of Commons Library research released last May, which revealed a decline of 172,000 apprenticeship starts since 2015/16. Additionally, the 2024 State of Construction Apprenticeship Report highlighted a 5% drop in apprenticeship uptake over the previous year.
However, TICA’s efforts have been instrumental in highlighting the career’s financial rewards, progression opportunities, reducing energy waste and contributing to the Government’s Net Zero target.
In a first for the UK sector, it is incorporating the innovative TIPCHECK tool into its curriculum. This cutting-edge app-based calculator allows apprentices to measure heat loss from uninsulated pipework and ducting while estimating the financial and energy savings of installing thermal insulation. By using this innovative tool, apprentices will gain firsthand experience in sustainability practices and real-world energy efficiency solutions.
Helen Anderson, TICA’s Deputy CEO and Head of Learning, said: “We are on track to welcome more than 200 apprentices to our National Training Centre in Darlington during 2025, a figure that reflects the success of our initiatives to attract and inspire the next generation of thermal insulators. At a time when apprenticeship numbers are declining, and the construction sector is grappling with a skills shortage, this represents a significant step forward.
“Thermal insulation offers a rewarding, well-paid career with clear progression opportunities, while also playing a critical role in the UK’s journey toward Net Zero. The skills we teach are about more than insulation – they’re about driving sustainability. By incorporating tools like TIPCHECK into the curriculum, we’re equipping apprentices to make a real-world impact in their careers.”
Established in 1957, TICA represents contractors throughout the UK involved in the application of hot and cold thermal insulation and hosts apprentices for two-week blocks of training every three months, for between 18 and 24 months, which combines a mixture of on-the-job experience supported by classroom-based training.
