HOW CAN I BECOME AN APPRENTICE?
The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers accepts capable individuals into their trade through their Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (J.A.T.C.) program. Through their apprenticeship program, a person can enter the insulation industry and become a professional in one of their skilled trades:
- Mechanical Insulation
- Firestopping
- Asbestos & Lead Mitigation
- Sound Attenuation
- Specialty Fabrication
Apprentices receive the following instruction:
- A minimum of 720 hours of classroom instruction over four years
- A minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction per year
- A minimum of 1,600 hours of on-the-job training per year
All Insulation workforce training includes:
- OSHA 10- and 30-Hour Safety Training Courses
- Asbestos Removal and Mediation
- Lead Removal and Mediation
- Firestopping
- 3E Energy Audits
- CPR and First Aid Training Courses
- Professional Code of Conduct Program
Pros of an APPRENTICESHIP:
The best way to enter into the construction trades is through a certified, reputable apprenticeship program. Besides a little or no-cost education (which means ZERO DEBT for the apprentice), apprenticeships offer a look into the day-to-day work you’ll be doing in your trade. Below is a list of just a few of the numerous benefits of training through an apprenticeship:
- Learn the trade while you earn a living: Apprenticeships enable you to start working and earn a decent, living wage while you learn key skills and gain the qualifications that future employers want. As your skills progress, so will your pay. This not only helps out your bank account, but also helps keep you actively engaged in your apprenticeship.
- Never get bored: Because your education doesn't end after your apprenticeship, you’ll continually have the opportunity to learn new and exciting things and advance your career. That also means your pay scale will most likely increase as well. The more knowledge you have, the better the paycheck.
- Support: One of the largest advantages of getting the qualifications you need in your field while being able to put the skills you learn into practice at the same time is that someone will always be on-hand to show you how things are done. If you have any questions about techniques, terminology or anything related to the industry, you can instantly ask your mentors, co-workers, or managers.
That support doesn't end once you're off the job site, either. You’ll be able to work with the men and women in your trade to negotiate contracts with your employers to determine the terms of employment including pay, benefits, hours, leave, job health and safety policies and much more. - Varied learning, lots of experience: Apprenticeships offer a varied learning experience. You won’t have to spend all of your days studying; most of the time, you’ll be working in the field. You will also have classroom time, but your days will not be spent staring at four walls and a white board.
- Confidence: Being new to any job is stressful, and on your first day, it’s hard to feel confident in your skills and ability. In an apprenticeship, everyone is on the same page. Whether you're on a jobsite or in the classroom, everyone understands that you’re there to learn. You can feel confident and ready for your apprenticeship as long as you’re prepared to work hard and learn.
- Good career prospects: Your apprenticeship will be very rewarding, even if at times it may seem demanding. Once you have finished your apprenticeship, you'll have a world of options open to you. Being able to show that you've got industry experience plus qualifications will give you a huge advantage in your trade.