Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Industrial Insulator- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- 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.
- 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.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
Working Life
The Industrial Insulator's job involves measuring, cutting and fitting a variety of insulation materials to pipe work, valves, pressure vessels, tanks, ducting, flues or on any hot or cold surfaces for the purpose of thermal insulation, fireproofing or soundproofing. It also involves the cladding of the insulation material with suitable coverings.
Metal cladding involves pattern layout and development of sheet metal (mild steel, galvanised mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium and other alloys) up to 1.2 mm and the use of various machines. These patterns would include pipe work, vessels, domed ends, valve and flange boxes, tee pieces, reducers, transformers etc.
The patterns are fabricated by hand and with the aid of machines. They are then joined and assembled using self-securing joints, riveting, fasteners, flanging, swaging and banding suited to the appropriate finishing techniques. Non-metallic finishing may be joined by adhesives, banding or strapping as appropriate.
With the onset of new technology, modern cutting and cladding involves the use of CNC machinery. Planning, costing/estimating, quality control and environmental considerations (energy conservation) are areas in which the Industrial Insulating will operate to ensure cost effectiveness throughout the industry.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, knives, and scissors.
- Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required.
- Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.
- Install sheet metal around insulated pipes with screws to protect the insulation from weather conditions or physical damage.
- Apply, remove, and repair insulation on industrial equipment, pipes, ductwork, or other mechanical systems such as heat exchangers, tanks, and vessels, to help control noise and maintain temperatures.
- Select appropriate insulation, such as fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork, based on the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.
- Read blueprints and specifications to determine job requirements.
- Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement, or asphalt mastic.
- Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.
- Remove or seal off old asbestos insulation, following safety procedures.
Qualities - Industrial Insulator
You must have good practical skills and a high level of technical knowledge. You need to be physically fit to cope with bending, lifting and stretching. You will need nimble fingers to handle small parts and hand tools.
You should be logical, patient and have good organisational skills to prioritise your workload. It is important for industrial insulators to have good communication skills, because they need to deal effectively with customers.
Interests - Industrial Insulator
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.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - Industrial Insulator
There are many pathways to develop your learning & skills for a career in industrial insulation.
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: engineering operations, technology, construction.
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: engineering, construction.
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 Insulation
Search for Apprenticeships
Structure of Industrial Insulation Apprenticeship
- You must obtain employment as an apprentice in your chosen occupation. The employer must be approved to train apprentices.
- The employer must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment.
- Apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test, approved by SOLAS.
Entry Requirements
The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.
The minimum educational requirements are:
- Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent, OR
- The successful completion of an approved pre-apprenticeship course, OR
- Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable.
It should be noted that these are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential: Metalwork, Physics, Engineering, Technology, Mathematics and Technical Drawing/Graphics.
Pay & Salary - Industrial Insulator
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €55k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, shift pattern, and role.
Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ Glassdoor / NAO / Salary expert/ WRC/ Excel
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Industrial Insulator
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Mechanical engineers; Electrical engineers; Electronics engineers; Engineering professionals n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.
Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.
Useful Contacts - Industrial Insulator
-
Engineers Ireland
- 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
- (01) 665 1300
- Click Here
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Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
