Thermal Insulation Association of Canada

Based on the analysis of the information contained in this report and our work with the National Study Committee, we have identified five key issues facing the Insulator trade. The issues are:

1. Future Labour Shortages

The Insulator workforce is, on average, about 42 years of age. Over the next 8 years, it will lose at least 10% of the workforce due to retirements and other exits. The trade has been bringing in between 100 and 200 apprentices each year. Combining this information with the forecasting scenarios developed through the Construction Model, we estimate a potential shortage of 700 Insulators by the year 2008. Should the price of energy rise substantially, it is likely that energy savings strategies will become more important for owner/clients; if that were to occur; the projected shortage would be even larger.

The growth in demand for Insulators will not be evenly distributed across Canada, according to the Model. Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario and Alberta will likely grow more strongly.

In the past, Insulator work has been fairly evenly distributed over the year with small peaks in March, June, August, and December. This pattern is consistent across the country. Consequently the industry is drawing on its local labour supplies at roughly the same times of the year. If this trend continues, it will limit the industry's ability to use mobility as a means to manage short-term, regional labour supply shortages.

2. Market Share Recovery

Insulators are concerned about the loss of market share and the potential for even further erosion. Competition from other trades is one issue. As well, Insulation work is sometimes undervalued and may be used to make up for cost and time overruns.

The industry has not fully capitalized on energy saving opportunities, by linking insulation to significant savings of energy as well as environmental considerations. Making this connection in the mind of clients could help the insulation industry recapture and maintain market share.

3. Apprenticeship Improvements

In the course of this study we identified several issues related to apprenticeship. First and foremost is the interest in a consistent, pan-Canadian approach to apprenticeship training for the trade. Not all provinces/territories have a recognized apprenticeship program for Insulators. This has had a negative impact on the consistency of skill levels across the country. A portion of the industry lacks confidence in the current apprenticeship programs’ ability to fully meet its needs. Given the voluntary nature of the apprenticeship programs, it is not always easy to encourage workers to complete apprenticeship training. The industry seems to be calling for an overhaul of the apprenticeship system for Insulators with a view to a more common approach across the country, updated curriculum, and greater use of the Red Seal.

4. Accessible Upgrading/Retraining

Almost half the survey respondents indicated they had received their Insulator ticket through means other than completion of an apprenticeship program. Although the majority of respondents did indicate that they had taken training in specific aspects of the trade, there was still a significant percentage identifying the need for additional training. There was a direct correlation between the percentage of Insulators who have completed formal training and contractor ratings of satisfaction with the technical skills of Insulators. There is also a strong correlation between those who have completed formal training in selected areas of the trade and those who are working frequently in those areas. The benefits of upgrading skills are therefore clearly evident. The challenge is to link the benefits to the training in order to encourage further skill development.

Given the small numbers of Insulators, making training programs available locally has been difficult. There just is not the volume in some areas to sustain programs. Apprenticeship training faces the same challenge. If the industry is successful in creating additional demand for training programs, it must also be able to increase accessibility of training.

5. Improved Trade Image

Consistent with other trades within the construction sector, the Insulator trade has to improve its image internally and externally.

Internally, the Industry perception is that it is not understood, other trades and clients do not appreciate the contribution Insulators make to the finished product, and it lacks influence on the jobsite. Many Insulators are concerned about the loss of pride and quality workmanship within the trade. This is largely the result of pressures imposed on the Insulators to make up for cost and time overruns. Low self-image contributes to the image of the trade projected by Insulators.

Externally, the trade is not well known. Young people in particular do not know about the trade, the nature of work performed, and the career potential. In these times when all industries are competing for a decreasing number of young people, the Insulators need to project a positive image and market the trade as a viable career option to youth, women, Aboriginal people, racial minorities, and others to ensure a sufficient supply of labour to meet future demand.

The findings of this study indicate there was little movement of workers from province/territory to province/territory amongst the survey respondents with the exception of some flow from British Columbia, Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces to the Prairies.

Concerns were expressed about the cost and stress working away from home places on the worker. Employment Insurance is seen to limit mobility as workers who quit a job in another province/territory and return home due to the stress factor or if they choose to return home once work is available in their home province, they are penalized.

Mobility is promoted within the trade and the Insulator unions across Canada have good mobility mechanisms (travel card systems) in place. There is reimbursement from the industry in some situations to assist with the costs incurred when living away from home, but in the commercial segment there is little room for expense conditions in the contract.

Validation of these findings by the industry indicate that mobility is a larger issue than the study findings indicate and should be given priority when considering human resource strategies for the Insulators.