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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

£50,000 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 a 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
  • 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 building services engineering. 

Courses include:

  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
  • Higher National Diploma in Building Services, or Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could 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

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, acoustic or power 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.

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
  • the ability to read English
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

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 and ventilation
  • estimate costs, present ideas and create progress reports
  • keep to building regulations and health and safety requirements
  • organise the work of technicians and assist with installations and maintenance

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

Building Electrical Maintenance Engineer (BEMS) apprentice

  • Wage: £20,000.00 Annually
  • Location: London End, Beaconsfield

Apprentice Building Services Engineer – Technical & Mechanical

  • Wage: £12,545.00 Annually
  • Location: 16 Portland Street, Birmingham, West Midlands

Courses In England

Building Services Engineering — BTEC Level 3 Diploma

  • Provider: THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2024
  • Location: LIVERPOOL

BSc (Hons) Building Services Engineering

  • Provider: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 04 September 2024
  • Location: Birmingham

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