TICA

TICA – the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association – is the sole UK trade association representing contractors involved in the application of hot and cold thermal insulation, and also operates as a specialist training provider through its National Training Centre in Darlington. Its apprenticeship offer focuses on Thermal Insulation Apprenticeships combining on-the-job experience with block-release off-the-job training over four years, delivered through two-week blocks at the National Training Centre. Apprentices in England and Wales follow Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeship Standards for Commercial Thermal Insulation Operative and Technician, which incorporate functional skills in English and maths where required, Employer Rights and Responsibilities, PASMA and Asbestos Awareness, and culminate in an independent End Point Assessment at the National Training Centre leading to a certificated apprenticeship qualification. Apprentices in Scotland complete Level 2 or Level 3 SVQ-based frameworks in Thermal Insulation, including technical certificates, core skills and supporting training, assessed through a practical skills assessment. TICA also provides Practical Skills Assessments at Levels 2 and 3 for those who have achieved S/NVQs outside an apprenticeship and need competence verification for Skill Cards, as well as asbestos awareness training (free online for members and paid options for non-members) and PASMA training. These programmes lead to recognised TICA Skill Cards at Blue Skilled Operative and Gold Advanced Craft or Supervisor levels.