A pilot scheme from TICA aims to bring more women into the thermal insulation industry with three recruitment days in August
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has launched a pilot project in the East Midlands to encourage more women to consider a career in the traditionally male-dominated industry.
The scheme features a range of initiatives that aim to make apprenticeships more accessible to female applicants, such as three days focusing on skills and recruitment opportunities in the East Midlands next month.
Women can gain on-site experience with local companies
The scheme guarantees that female apprentices will be paired up and will work in and around the city within a reasonable commuting distance.
Special consideration will be given to flexible working arrangements that reflect individual circumstances.
In working with local employers, TICA hopes to challenge outdated perceptions and prejudices around women working in construction related roles, whilst raising awareness of the career opportunities specifically available in thermal insulation.
Marion Marsland, chief executive of TICA, said: “Women have the skills and ability to forge a successful career in the thermal insulation sector, and the industry has a host of unfilled well-paid jobs.
“This is a male dominated industry and TICA is determined to create a more diverse workforce, ensuring women have an opportunity to succeed and thrive.”
Apprenticeships can lead to successful careers
Women aged 18 and over will learn how to cut and apply lightweight insulation and cladding to pipework, storage vessels and ducting in environments ranging from commercial building sites to schools and hospitals in the apprenticeships.
Helen Anderson, head of learning at TICA, added: “We will work alongside employers to arrange all aspects of the paid-for practical training in which women will work alongside each other as part of their learning journey.”
Jenna Hunt, from Immingham, currently a thermal insulation apprentice with Altrad, left school at 16 and ended up working in a series of uninspiring office jobs. Now aged 35, she ended up cleaning Altrad’s offices at the Prax Linsey Oil Refinery, near Grimsby, and was inspired to apply for one of their thermal insulation apprenticeships.
She said: “It wasn’t something I’d ever considered, but this apprenticeship offers a clear pathway to a fulfilling and well-paid career. It may be a male dominated industry, but I’ve not experienced any discrimination and there’s no task I haven’t been able to achieve because I’m a woman. I’d advise anyone, whatever their gender or background, to seriously consider it.”
Women interested in thermal insulation careers are encouraged to apply
The recruitment days are being hosted by Encon Insulation Ltd, 4 Martin Close, Blenheim Industrial Estate, Nottingham, NG6 8UW on Tuesday 1st August (10.30am-12.30pm); Wednesday 16th August (12.30pm-2.30pm) and Monday 21st August (3pm-5pm).
The sessions include an opportunity to speak to local employers and the TICA training team, as well as take part in a practical taster session.
You can apply to join the sessions here.
