The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has expanded its national training centre after apprentice enrolments reached a record 199 during the current 2025/26 academic year.

The latest figure represents a significant increase from 130 apprentices in 2024/25 and continues a longer-term upward trend, with annual enrolments rising from 80 in 2021/22 to 145 in 2022/23 and 165 in 2023/24.

TICA says the growth reflects increasing recognition of the vital role thermal insulation plays in reducing energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions and strengthening energy security. It also follows the organisation's efforts to promote careers within the industry through visits to schools and colleges and attendance at careers fairs across the UK.

The increase in apprentice numbers has prompted TICA to further expand its national training centre in Darlington. The latest investment has involved reconfiguring part of the building to create a larger theory classroom, a smaller classroom, improved staff facilities and dedicated female changing facilities.

The project follows TICA's £250,000 investment in 2024, which saw the creation of a 434 sq. m mezzanine floor providing dedicated facilities for end-point assessments and industry accreditations, freeing valuable ground-floor space for apprentice training.

Together, the two projects have significantly increased the centre's flexibility and capacity, with scope for further expansion of the mezzanine floor.

Helen Anderson, TICA's Deputy CEO and Head of Learning (pictured), 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.

"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."

Established in 1957, TICA represents contractors throughout the UK involved in the application of hot and cold thermal insulation. Apprentices attend the centre for two-week training blocks every three months, combining practical experience with classroom-based learning over periods of between 18 and 24 months.