Training centre expands as apprentice numbers soar

A national trade association is expanding its North East training centre after apprentice numbers reached record levels.

The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has increased capacity at its Darlington facility after enrolments climbed to 199 during the 2025/26 academic year, up from 130 the previous year.

Numbers have risen steadily from 80 apprentices in 2021/22, reflecting growing demand for skills across the thermal insulation industry.

Officials say the increase also follows efforts to promote careers in the sector through visits to schools, colleges and careers fairs across the UK.

Helen Anderson, TICA’s deputy chief executive and head of learning, said: “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.”

TICA represents contractors working across hot and cold thermal insulation, with apprentices attending its Darlington centre for two-week training blocks every three months.

Training combines classroom learning with practical experience over programmes lasting between 18 and 24 months.

To accommodate the growing number of apprentices, TICA has invested in expanding and reconfiguring its Darlington training centre, creating a larger theory classroom, an additional smaller classroom, improved staff facilities and dedicated female changing areas.

It builds on a £250,000 investment completed in 2024, which created a 434sq metre mezzanine floor for end-point assessments and industry accreditations, freeing up more ground-floor space for apprentice training.

Further expansion of the mezzanine also remains possible as demand grows. 

Helen added: “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.”

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