1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Building services engineer

Building services engineer

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

to

£51,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

on call as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Building services engineer

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

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

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

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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

More Information

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

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

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.

Direct Application

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.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) for study resources, industry news and professional development courses.

Further information

You can get more details about careers in building services from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a building services engineer to be a green job, you could:

  • make sustainability central to engineering plans
  • retrofit buildings to make them more energy efficient
  • use low carbon materials to reduce levels of greenhouse gases

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work on a construction site or in an office.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into:

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Design Engineer

  • Wage: £12,480 to £22,308 a year Annually
  • Location: HEVER ROAD, HEVER, EDENBRIDGE

Building Services Degree Apprenticeship - London (Rail Stations)

  • Wage: £23,000 a year Annually
  • Location: E14 4HD
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC Building Services Engineering

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Maidstone

Higher National Certificate in Building Services Engineering

  • Provider: UNITED COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 29 September 2025
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.