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. 

There’s no upper age limit to start an Apprenticeship—just a minimum age of 16.

While many assume apprenticeships are only for 16–18 year olds, the truth is that most of our apprentices are over 18, with many in their 20s, 30s, 40s—even 50s and 60s. No matter their age, apprentices are welcomed into diverse and supportive training groups.

Please note: rates of pay vary by age—refer to the Apprentice Pink Book for guidance.
For apprentices under 18, TICA has preferred hotels with 24-hour concierge, and we assist with transport to and from the training centre, along with 24/7 support during their stay.

No formal qualifications are required to begin the Level 2 Apprenticeship. 
Apprentices simply need to understand, speak, read, and write English well enough to take part in the training. 

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

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

they’ll work towards these qualifications as part of their apprenticeship. 

TICA provides: 

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

Before finishing, they must achieve Level 1 maths and/or English to progress. 

For the Level 3 Apprenticeship, Level 2 maths and English are required before completion. If they don’t have these yet, TICA supports them to achieve this during training. 

If aged 19 or over, they may be able to opt out of Functional Skills if both they and their employer agree. 

Most learners new to the trade start with the Level 2 Apprenticeship, which focuses on the essential skills and techniques needed for thermal insulation work. 

After completing the Level 2 and working in the industry for four years, apprentices receive their Indentures and Blue Skilled Worker Card. 

Those who want to develop further or take on more advanced roles can move on to the Level 3 Apprenticeship, leading to either a Gold Advanced Craft Card or Gold Supervisor Card. 

TICA will help each apprentice identify the right route for their skills and ambitions. 

If travel to TICA House in Darlington is required, accommodation is arranged and paid for by the employer or through government funding. 
Apprentices also receive support with transport and expenses for each training block. 

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

TICA staff are on site during training blocks to support learners and ensure their wellbeing throughout their stay. 

Apprentices earn a wage throughout their training — both on site and while at TICA House. 

The minimum rates are set out in the TICA Apprentice Rates and Allowances 2025. 
Pay depends on: 

• Age when starting 

• Which year of the apprenticeship they’re in 

Pay increases each year as they gain skills and experience, and many employers choose to pay above the minimum rate. 

Once qualified, thermal insulation engineers can earn a strong salary that reflects the skill and technical expertise involved in the role. 

There is no cost to apprentices, parents or carers to pay. Apprentices are employed and paid by their employer, who covers training costs either directly or through government apprenticeship funding. Any required accommodation and training-related expenses are also covered by the employer or funding arrangements.

No — applicants don’t need to have found an employer first. 

TICA works closely with thermal insulation contractors across the UK and helps match applicants with companies who are looking for apprentices. 

We support learners by: 

• Connecting them with local employers 
• Sharing details with interested companies
• Notifying them of new opportunities 
• Helping with interviews and enrolment 

Once matched with an employer, they can officially begin their apprenticeship and start working in the industry. 

Apprentices attend training in block release sessions — short, focused periods at TICA House to develop practical and technical skills. 

For the Level 2 Apprenticeship, this includes: 

• Six training blocks (two weeks each) 
• Spread over roughly 18 months 
• Sessions every 10–14 weeks 
• Training runs Monday to Thursday, 8:00am–5:15pm (Fridays are for travel) 

Level 3 follows a similar format, with one or two additional visits. 

Between blocks, apprentices work on site to apply what they’ve learned in a real environment. 

If an apprentice leaves their employer or their situation changes, TICA helps ensure their training can continue. 
We can support them in finding another suitable employer so that their apprenticeship isn’t interrupted. 

It’s important they let us know straight away so we can provide guidance and practical support. 

Safeguarding and welfare are central to everything we do. 
All TICA staff involved in training are DBS checked and trained in safeguarding and learner welfare. 

During each training block, apprentices have access to: 

• A dedicated safeguarding officer 
• Pastoral and mental health support
• Trained staff who stay in the same accommodation site for supervision and safety 

TICA also works closely with employers to make sure apprentices are safe and supported on site, with clear reporting procedures for any concerns. 

Every 10–12 weeks, apprentices have a review meeting with: 

• A TICA training representative 
• Their line manager or site supervisor 

These sessions track progress, set goals, and ensure the apprentice is developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours expected. 

Absolutely! Give our apprenticeship team a call and we can arrange for you to visit our training centre.

Apprentices receive a range of support while training at TICA, including access to trained staff, safeguarding and wellbeing support, and additional help for those with specific needs.

We take a proactive approach to ensure every learner feels safe, included, and valued — whether in the classroom, on-site, or in accommodation during block release. Our staff are trained to identify and respond to concerns quickly, and learners they can speak our Dedicated Safeguarding Lead (Lynne Lambe) or a member of staff if they have concerns.

As part of the learner induction, we carry out a one-to-one medical and support discussion, this helps us to learn more about our learners and help us identify and additional support they may have.

Learners receive a review every 12 weeks, this allows any concerns to be raised in a constructive way.

Every learner also receives an in-depth pastoral one to one during their apprenticeship, with the option to book for of these if the apprentice requires it.

We aim to create an inclusive learning environment where all apprentices can thrive. Learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), those who are care-experienced, and individuals who are prison leavers are provided with tailored support based on their individual circumstances.

This may include additional learning support, reasonable adjustments, mental health and wellbeing resources, and ongoing communication with employers to ensure joined-up support. Employers are also offered guidance to help them understand how best to support these learners in the workplace.

TICA offers one-to-one learning support, extra sessions for maths and English, and wellbeing guidance. 
Apprentices can speak directly to their tutor or a safeguarding officer at any time if they need help — whether it’s about learning, health, or personal issues.