Cavity insulation installer

How to become a cavity insulation installer

There are several routes to becoming a cavity insulation installer. You can start on your career path by studying on a college course, an apprenticeship, or apply directly to an employer.

You should explore these options to becoming a cavity insulation installer, to see which is right for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site. 

College/training provider

You may have to attend a specialist college/training provider to train as a cavity insulation installer.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction company is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have previous experience or qualifications in a relevant area of construction, such as brickwork, you may be able to apply to an employer directly for work as a cavity insulation installer. You might start out as a trainee assistant to a more experienced cavity insulation installer and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in the construction industry. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a cavity insulation installer include:

• Knowledge of building and construction
• Be thorough and pay attention to detail
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Able to work well with others
• Able to use your initiative

Qualifications

What does a cavity insulation installer do?

As a cavity insulation installer you will be responsible for helping to insulate building to ensure they are energy efficient.

The job role of a cavity insulation installer may involve the following duties: 

• Carrying out pre-installation surveys to work out methods of insulation and the materials to be used
• Writing up survey reports for customers and managers
• Suggesting ways to improve the energy use of a building
• Working out volumes of space to be filled and the amount of insulation required
• Marking out wiring, ventilation and pipework ducts in walls and sealing openings
• Injecting insulation materials through drilled holes in a specific order
• Checking that all air bricks and flues are clear
• Making sure that the materials and methods used meet building regulations
• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and being aware of health and safety procedures
• Working on-site, both indoors and outdoors in a variety of buildings, including homes, schools, hospitals and commercial buildings.

How much could you earn as a cavity insulation installer?

The expected salary for a cavity insulation installer varies as you become more experienced.

• Trainee cavity insulation installers can earn £17,000 - £20,000
• Trained cavity insulation installers with some experience can earn £20,000 - £30,000
• Senior cavity insulation installers can earn up to £45,000.*

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest cavity insulation installer vacancies: 

• Indeed
• Jobs Trovit

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

As a cavity insulation installer, you could take the next step in your career as an occupational supervisor, estimator or self-employed contractor or sub contractor.