Trade association invests to meet increased demand for apprentice training

In response to a growing demand for apprentice training, an industry trade association has expanded the capacity of its national training centre in Darlington.

Enrolments for training provided by the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) rose to a record 199 during the current 2025/26 academic year, up from 130 apprentices in 2024/25.

This latest increase continues a longer-term trend which has seen annual enrolments rise from 80 in 2021/22 to 145 in 2022/23, and 165 in 2023/24.

Established in 1957, TICA represents contractors throughout the UK involved in the application of hot and cold thermal insulation. The association believes that the rise reflects the growing recognition of the vital role thermal insulation plays in reducing energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions and strengthening energy security.

The organisation’s own efforts to promote and highlight careers within the industry through visits to schools, colleges and careers fairs across the UK have also played a part in the recent increase in applications.

To meet this rising demand, TICA has invested in reconfiguring part of its national training building to create a larger theory classroom, a smaller classroom, improved staff facilities and dedicated female changing facilities.

This latest expansion follows TICA’s £250,000 investment in 2024, which saw the creation of a 434-square-metre mezzanine floor providing dedicated facilities for end-point assessments and industry accreditations, freeing valuable ground-floor space for apprentice training.

Together, the two projects have significantly increased the flexibility and capacity of the centre, with scope for a further expansion of the mezzanine floor.

Apprentices attend the centre for two-week training blocks every three months, combining practical experience with classroom-based learning over periods of between 18 and 24 months.

 TICA deputy CEO and head of learning Helen Anderson commented: “Apprentice numbers have continued to grow significantly in recent years, reflecting both increasing recognition of the important role thermal insulation plays and the work we have undertaken to raise awareness of the opportunities available within the industry.

“Through careers fairs, college visits and outreach activities, we have highlighted the rewarding careers the sector offers for both sexes, and we are now seeing the results of those efforts.

“At a time when national policy is focused on energy security, affordability and the transition to Net Zero, thermal insulation represents one of the most immediate and cost-effective solutions available.

“The heat lost from a single uninsulated valve can be equivalent to the energy required to power an electric car for around 12,000 miles. When you multiply that across thousands of industrial and commercial sites, the scale of the opportunity is clear.

“Our latest investment ensures we can continue to provide apprentices with an excellent learning environment while equipping the industry with the skilled workforce it needs for the future.”