IETA Apprenticeship Recruitment
Thermal Insulation Engineers work on commercial sites such as offices, factories, hospitals, schools, supermarkets and industrial sites such as Oil Refineries, Power Stations, Chemical Plants and ships.
The Thermal Insulator specialises in insulating hot pipes, vessels and boilers to keep heat in, or in the case of refrigeration and air conditioning installations, to keep heat out.
Apprenticeships
What are apprenticeships?
An Apprenticeship refers to an on-the-job training programme in which they complete a framework. The Thermal Insulation Apprenticeship consists of on and off the job training over three years. During the first and second year the learner will visit TICA House for block periods to complete the theory aspects of their NVQ. The apprentice will then work on site for their third year. Learners wishing to complete an apprenticeship will work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills.
During the course the learner will complete the following qualifications:
· Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Thermal Insulation
· BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Thermal Insulation (Technical Certificate)
· Functional Skill in English
· Functional Skill in Maths
· Employers Rights and Responsibilities
Normally the apprentice will complete the Framework within the first 18 months of the course. He / She will then spend the remainder of the time working on site gaining experience.
Upon completion of the above criteria the apprentice will be issued with their Apprentice Agreement which shows they are a qualified Thermal Insulation Engineer.
Who are they aimed at?
Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16. However, with the current climate the way it is, most companies are not looking to hire and so the need for apprentices has decreased which has made the selection process tougher. Applicants will need to show that they are committed and aware of their responsibilities to both them and the company who would employ them.
NVQ
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. An NVQ is a 'competence-based' qualification: this means the learning style is practical, it involves work-related tasks designed to help the learner to develop their skills and knowledge in order to do a job effectively.
As the learner progresses through the course, they compare their skills and knowledge with the courses standards as they learn, so the assessor and the learner can monitor what they need to do to meet them.
NVQs are assessed through practical assignments and a qualified assessor will observe the learner and question them about the work they carry out in the workplace. The learner will be tested on their knowledge and understanding as well as their actual performance.
An NVQ contains units; some mandatory and some choice units depending on the tasks the learner undertakes at work. The learner’s assessor will 'sign-off' individual units within the NVQ when the learner has reached the required standard.
Technical Certificate
The Technical Certificate allows the learner to show that they understand the theory side of the NVQ through an online test. At IETA we incorporate the Technical Certificate in with the rest of the apprenticeship; the Technical Certificate will be mapped around the learner’s course so that other sections of the NVQ can be completed simultaneously.
Functional Skills
Functional Skills qualifications are designed to provide learners with practical skills in English, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Mathematics which help them to 'function' confidently, effectively and independently in their work and life in general.
These qualifications have been developed in response to the employability needs set out in the Government's 14-19 Education and Skills White Paper.
The Functional Skills qualifications will be useful to:
- Learners: young people and adults will develop important problem solving skills which will make sure that they're well prepared for employment, further learning and life in general
- Employers: this initiative will help to ensure that employees can apply vital functional skills in work situations which will improve effectiveness and productivity
Higher Education: competency in the key subjects of English, Mathematics and ICT will help students progress to further achievement, allowing them to study independently
Applying for the Apprenticeship
Companies start to recruit in July/August each year, you will be able to search for a list of companies who may take on apprentices in your area on the TICA section on this website under Member Search.
You can also apply by downloading the IETA Application Form and sending it to julieappleby@tica-acad.co.uk or you can request an application form by ringing 01325 734130
Or posting it to:
Julie Appleby
TICA House
34 Allington Way
Yarm Road Business Park
Darlington
DL1 4QB
Alternatively contact the training officer for your area;
Phil de Veuve (South West/East and Wales) – 07876 241235
Steve Woods (Midlands) – 07887 790455
Kevin Bauld (Scotland and North East) – 07515 996548
Training
The Thermal Insulation Apprenticeship takes 3 years to complete. You will mainly be working construction sites with block release weeks at our training centre in Darlington.
What Qualifications do I need?
Preferably four GCSE's including Maths and English (although applicants without these qualifications may be considered)
Personal Qualities
You should be hard working, reliable and able to get up early for work. You should be good with your hands, willing to travel and stay in lodgings (this is important due to the off the job element being in Darlington) and be willing to do all of the work the off the job element of the apprenticeship entails. Applicant should not be afraid of heights.