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Building services engineer
Building services engineers design, fit and maintain the heating, lighting and power systems in offices, hospitals and shopping centres.
Average salary (a year)
£28000
Starter
£51000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
39.0 to 41.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
on call
as customers demand
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; applying directly
University
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
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
Working environment
You could work on a construction site or in an office.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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