How to become a Lagger

Applies insulating materials such as felt, fibreglass, polyurethane and cork to pipes, steam generators, process vats and ducting, and secures insulation with wire, wire netting, staples, metal strapping and using welding torches.

Main tasks

• Determines insulation requirements for pipes, steam generators, process vats and ducting
• Measures and cuts insulating materials to fit pipes, steam generators, process vats and ducting
• Secures insulation using tools or machinery
• Repairs or replaces damaged insulation

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate II in Construction (CPC20120); Certificate I in Construction (CPC10120); Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (MEM30219)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 7,900 people work in this job group now, and about 8,000 are projected by 2035. (+1%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Driller's Offsider
• Mining Support Worker
• Rail Protection Officer
• Railway Track Worker
• Surveyor's Assistant

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Lagger?

Ways in include: Certificate II in Construction; Certificate I in Construction.

Is a Lagger a growing career in Australia?

Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 7,900 people now and 8,000 later (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Lagger?

Usually not. Only 5% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate II in Construction; Certificate I in Construction.

Will AI change the work of a Lagger?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04