Thermal insulation engineer
Fit insulation around pipes, boilers and ductwork to help them retain heat.
Also known as: pipework lagger
About the job
What it's like
You would fit insulation around pipes, boilers and ductwork to help them retain heat. You might carry out jobs in factories, offices, power stations or on ships.
On a job, you would typically:
Plan where to put insulation by referring to building layout diagrams
Decide what materials to use
Prepare and clean the surfaces to be insulated
Measure and cut insulation materials to size
Fit insulation using clips, adhesives or cement
Seal the work area after completing the installation
You may also work on the removal of old materials such as asbestos. This substance is dangerous. Your job would involve other risks as well, such as working at heights, so it would be very important to follow health and safety rules carefully.
Hours
You would normally work 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may do overtime to meet deadlines.
Environment
Your working conditions could be cramped, hot, dirty and dusty, and some jobs involve working at heights. This job may occasionally require you to work with hazardous substances like asbestos. In cases like this, you would be provided with protective clothing and equipment.
Travel
You would travel from site to site, which could mean overnight stays away from home for days or weeks at a time.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Energy Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- thermal insulation
- insulator
- petrochemical
- technical drawing
- cladding (construction)
- design specifications
- hvac
- insulation installation
- ventilation
- sheet metal
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- managing resources
- implementing ideas
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- resourceful
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Skills for Work: Energy
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
You would do a Modern Apprenticeship managed by the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA).
Entry requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship vary but employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5. You usually have to take an aptitude test as part of the entry process.
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF level 5).
Previous work-based experience and qualifications in areas such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent safety passport to train and work on site. You must pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.
You will require a driving licence for some jobs.
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