Mechanical Insulator training will be valuable to climate change fight

As the country comes to grips with the reality of climate change, energy efficiency becomes  increasingly essential to infrastructure. Mechanical insulation will play a critical role in that transformation. The efforts to better insulate America’s buildings will lead to unprecedented demand for Mechanical Insulators, spurring the growth of apprenticeships.

Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the growing need for Mechanical Insulator apprentices.

Brother Ielmini cited a national study that found nearly all buildings in the U.S. are missing 10 to 30 percent of the mechanical insulation necessary to ensure peak efficiency. Mechanical insulation will play a critical role in the implementation of the infrastructure bill recently signed into law by President Biden, Brother Ielmini said. 

We need more Mechanical Insulator apprentices to fulfill job demand

Registered Apprenticeship Programs offer the best tools to meet the increased demand for trained, qualified Mechanical Insulators, Ielmini said. The hands-on training, combined with classroom instruction, can be essential to learning a physical skill. 

In addition to viable career opportunities, Mechanical Insulator apprenticeships furnish quality benefits, good pay and valuable retirement packages, Ielmini said. 

Registered Apprenticeship Programs provide a viable alternative to traditional college. Apprentices gain the skills for a good paying career without the expensive burden of student debt. Many apprenticeship programs even provide college credit. 

The biggest hurdle faced by the mechanical insulation industry is education, Brother Ielmini said. People need to understand the importance of insulation and its energy saving benefits.

As fuel costs continue to escalate, mechanical insulation increasingly becomes a valuable energy saving tool that could also help building managers save money, Ielmini said.

Listen to Brother Ielmini’s appearance on the podcast