Building services engineer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could study for a degree accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) .

Courses include:

• building services engineering
• architectural engineering
• mechanical engineering and building services

You could also do a related degree like:

• electrical engineering
• construction and the built environment
• environmental engineering
• sustainable construction

You could apply to join a company as a graduate trainee after you finish your course.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths

College

You could take a course, which might help you to get a trainee technician position in a building services engineering company.

Courses include:

• building services
• mechanical engineering
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a:

• Building Services Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Building Energy Management Systems Controls Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Building Services Design Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You might be able to start as a building services technician. You could then complete qualifications on the job, or part time with a training provider, to become an engineer.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got qualifications and experience in engineering from any industry.

For example, you might have experience in electrical, mechanical, environmental or energy engineering.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to read English
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• customer service skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• thinking and reasoning skills
• business management skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• science skills
• active listening skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Building services engineers design, fit and maintain the heating, lighting and power systems in offices, hospitals and shopping centres.

As a building services engineer, you could:

• create plans using computer aided design (CAD) and building information modelling (BIM) software
• design and install controls for systems like heating, ventilation and lighting
• estimate costs, present ideas and produce progress reports
• follow building regulations and health and safety requirements
• organise the work of technicians and manage budgets

Location : You could work on a construction site or in an office.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £51,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is on call as customers demand

Career Path:

With experience, you could move into:

• senior project management
• quantity surveying
• engineering design

You could also work as a facilities manager or building services consultant.