Trades in Alberta

On this page:

  • Apprenticeship Education Program 
  • Trades Qualifier Program 
  • Employment in the Trade 

Trades in Alberta

Insulator (Heat and Frost)
Trade Profiles
About Designated Trades
    About Restricted Activities
Tradesperson Lookup Tool

Insulator (Heat and Frost)

Insulators (heat and frost) apply, remove and repair thermal and acoustical insulation (e.g. calcium silicate, glass foam, mineral wool, Styrofoam, fibreglass) on all types of commercial and industrial equipment (e.g. duct piping, heat exchangers, tanks, vessels).

3-Period Apprenticeship Program
Optional Certification

Apprenticeship Education Program

Apprenticeship blends hands-on work experience with classroom learning, so you can build skills, knowledge, and a career all at once.

Credential
Certification
  • Journeyperson Certificate
  • Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
Program Requirements
  • 3 periods (levels) 
  • All periods: 
    • 1517 hours work experience per period
    • 7 weeks classroom instruction per period
    • Theory exam required
  • Each period designed to take ~1 year
  • Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
  • 7 weeks in all periods  
  • Offered at NAIT and SAIT
  • Entrance requirements:
    • English 10-2 and Math 10-3
    • or GED/CAEC
    • or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
  • 1517 hours in all periods
  • Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
  • Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
  • Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
  • Theory exam required to complete each period
  • Red Seal exam option in final period
Program Updates

The Insulator (Heat and Frost) Apprenticeship Program is being updated in 2025/2026 to match new national standards and better reflect what today’s industry needs.

High School Credit
  • Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
  • Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Recognized Programs
Related Trade Certificates

Trades Qualifier Program

If you have experience in the trade without an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, the Trades Qualifier Program is your pathway to qualify.

Work Experience Program
  1. Complete 54 months and 6827 hours of verifiable Insulator (Heat and Frost) work experience.
  2. Pass a theory exam.
  3. Pass a practical exam ($475.00). 

Applicants holding a related trade certificate may be eligible for credit toward these requirements (see Related Trade Certificates for the Apprenticeship Education Program above).

Recognized Credentials Program
  1. Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
  2. Pass a theory exam.
  3. Pass a practical exam ($475.00).

Employment in the Trade

As a designated trade under the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act, employed individuals or those employing tradespeople must meet certain regulated standards.

Restricted Activities
  • Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
Authorized Individuals
  • To perform restricted activities, you must be:
    • a registered apprentice, or
    • working at a journeyperson level in the opinion of your employer (journeyperson certification optional).
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
  • Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1). 
Wages
  • Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Insulator (Heat and Frost) journeyperson employed by the same company.
    • Period 1: 50%
    • Period 2: 60%
    • Period 3: 70%
Recognized Credentials
  • If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta. 
Red Seal Endorsement
  • You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.