What an IAHFIAW Apprenticeship Looks Like for Women

Welcome to the IIIATF!

“We won’t be able to fill critical jobs in the construction industry without growing our trades workforce to include more women. And these jobs pay – on average – twice as much as jobs that women are more likely to fill in the hospitality industry or as care workers.”

Gina Raimondo

U.S. Secretary of Commerce, July 9, 2024

The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (IAHFIAW) is fully committed to recruiting and training more women to join our union so they can transform their future and also help us fill the shortage of highly trained union Mechanical Insulators needed to fill the jobs of our signatory contractors.

Why Choose an IAHFIAW Apprenticeship?

Your journey begins by applying for the Registered Apprenticeship Program with the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC), which is overseen by the Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund (IIIATF). Our apprenticeship offers a unique blend of hands-on training and classroom instruction, ensuring you develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the mechanical insulation industry.

Our apprenticeships are designed to provide you with a debt-free education, competitive wages and benefits for you and your immediate family, creating a clear pathway to a fulfilling career and a middle-class lifestyle. We are committed to promoting gender diversity and inclusion, ensuring women have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive in our industry.

Earn While You Learn

From day one, you’ll earn a living wage while receiving top-tier training. This means you can start building a stable, middle-class lifestyle without incurring the student debt often associated with traditional post-secondary education. We believe in supporting all apprentices, especially women, by providing equitable opportunities for financial stability and growth.

Comprehensive Training Program

Classroom Instruction

You’ll receive a minimum of 576 hours of classroom instruction over the course of the apprenticeship. Our courses cover essential topics such as safety protocols, technical skills and industry standards. You’ll learn from experienced instructors who are dedicated to your success and committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where women are encouraged and supported.

On-the-Job Training

All apprentices must accrue at least 1,600 hours of on-the-job training each year. Under the guidance of experienced journeymen, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios, gaining practical experience that’s invaluable in the field. Our training sites are welcoming and supportive spaces for all apprentices, ensuring a positive and inclusive work environment for women.

Specialized Training Areas

Choose from various specializations to tailor your apprenticeship to your interests and career goals:

Mechanical Insulation
Firestopping
Sound Attenuation
Specialty Fabrication

Benefits of an IAHFIAW Apprenticeship

Competitive Wages

Your wages will increase as you progress through the apprenticeship program and your skills and knowledge grow. By binding legal contract wages cannot be different based on gender. Wages are set for all members based on level of experience. This ensures you’re fairly compensated for your work and incentivizes continuous learning and improvement.

Comprehensive Benefits

Enjoy full healthcare coverage, pension plans and other union benefits from day one. This ensures you and your family are protected and your financial future is secure.

Job Security

With the high demand for skilled Insulators, an IAHFIAW apprenticeship offers long-term job security. Our members are among the best-trained and most highly skilled in the industry, making them valuable assets to any employer. Our work can never be outsourced to another country.

Career Advancement

Many of our apprentices go on to hold supervisory or management positions, furthering their careers within the industry. The skills and experience you gain through the apprenticeship can open doors to numerous opportunities.

Our Commitment to Gender Diversity and Inclusion

The IIIATF is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively recruit women and strive to provide a supportive and equitable environment for all apprentices. We believe that gender diversity strengthens our union and enhances the quality of our work.

The Apprenticeship Journey

1. Application Process

Eligibility Requirements: Typically, a high school diploma or GED is required. Some programs may have additional requirements.
Application: Fill out the application form, providing necessary personal and educational information.
Documentation: Submit required documents such as transcripts or letters of recommendation.
Interview: Participate in an interview to assess your suitability for the program.

2. Classroom Learning

Attend scheduled classes at the joint apprenticeship training center.
Learn from experienced instructors and industry experts.

3. On-the-Job Training

Work alongside journeymen Insulators on real-world projects.
Apply classroom knowledge to practical tasks and develop hands-on skills.

4. Continuous Assessment

Receive regular evaluations to track your progress and ensure you’re meeting learning objectives.
Benefit from constructive feedback to help you improve and succeed.