Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Insulation Workers- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Working Life
Cavity wall insulators inject insulation materials between the walls of houses or other buildings to retain heat. They drill holes into the outside walls of a building and use a pump or a vacuum to suck insulation material from bags. This is injected into the walls of the building. Insulators may also be required to complete more traditional insulating work using materials such as kingspan etc. They need also to keep up to date with new advances in insulation.
Insulation materials include mineral fibre, expanded polystyrene beads, granules or foam. A cavity wall insulator needs to have a basic knowledge of buildings and how they are made so they can use the most suitable insulation material.
Most insulators work in pairs so that one can drill holes while the other fills the cavities. When the job is done, the cavity wall insulator cleans up the area and fills the holes in the brick with a matching mortar. They may be required to insulate existing structures or new buildings.
Cavity wall insulators wear protective clothing such as overalls, a face mask, goggles and ear defenders.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, power saws, knives, or scissors.
- Fit, wrap, staple, or glue insulating materials to structures or surfaces, using hand tools or wires.
- Cover and line structures with blown or rolled forms of materials to insulate against cold, heat, or moisture, using saws, knives, rasps, trowels, blowers, or other tools and implements.
- Distribute insulating materials evenly into small spaces within floors, ceilings, or walls, using blowers and hose attachments, or cement mortars.
- Move controls, buttons, or levers to start blowers and regulate flow of materials through nossles.
- Fill blower hoppers with insulating materials.
- Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement or asphalt mastic.
- Read blueprints, and select appropriate insulation, based on space characteristics and the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.
- Remove old insulation, such as asbestos, following safety procedures.
- Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.
Qualities - Insulation Workers
As a cavity wall insulator you need to be physically fit and strong as you will need to stand for long periods, work from ladders and scaffolding, and lift heavy equipment. It is useful to have a basic knowledge of how buildings are constructed. You need to have a clean and tidy approach to work. You will need to be able to work alongside other trades people
Although you will wear protective clothing and a face mask, the job may not be suitable for you if you suffer from allergies to dust or fibres. The ability to drive is useful.
Interests - Insulation Workers
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Insulation Workers
There are many pathways into a career in support of or a lead insulation worker.
These Key Skill Certs: Manual Handling, SafePass, B/C drivers license, might be required.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: construction, sustainable construction, engineering operations, technology.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: construction, sustainable energy, construction technology, sustainable interior design, building, sustainable construction technology.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Industrial Insulator, Construction Apprenticeship.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: construction, applied construction technology, facilities, building, services management.
Search for CAO Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Insulation Workers
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €50k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Indeed / Payscale/ Solas/ Excel/ Talent
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Insulation Workers
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Bricklayers; Stone Masons; Plasterers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment growth was below average for this occupation with little growth in recent years and a decline in levels between 2021 and 2022. Census 2022 data shows that employment was relatively evenly split between bricklayers/masons and plasterers. There were almost 200 employment permits issued in 2022 for bricklayers, stonemasons, and plasterers (including specialist clay plasterers).
There was also a relatively high volume of vacancies notified through the DSP across similar roles to that of the employment permits (there may be some overlap as a labour market test is required for employment permit applications for these roles which includes advertising the positions on DSP Jobs Ireland). The 2022 DFHERIS report suggests that demand for plasterers will be strong in the short-term when retrofitting activity increases. However, the report also indicates that demand for both bricklayers and plasterers for housing will decline in the coming years; apartments account for an increasing share of housing stock and have fewer requirements for bricklayers due to the use of pre-cast concrete. and modern methods of construction where much of this work is carried out off-site. Although demand is evident at present, the data does not point to shortages.
Useful Contacts - Insulation Workers
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Construction Industry Federation
