Building services engineer
Building services engineers design, install and service equipment and systems in buildings like offices, hospitals and shopping centres.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £20,000 - £50,000
Typical hours (a week): 39 - 41
Related videos on a building services engineer
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.
Courses include:
- building services engineering
- architectural engineering
- mechanical engineering and building services
Employers may accept you if you have a related degree, like electrical engineering, construction and the built environment or sustainable construction.
You could apply to join a company as a graduate trainee after you finish your course.
University (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
College
You could take a course, which may help you to get a trainee position in building services engineering. Courses include:
- T level in Design, Surveying and Planning
- Higher National Diploma in Building Services, or Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
College (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
Apprenticeship
You could start by completing a higher apprenticeship for building services engineering technicians or one for building energy management controls engineers. You could also do a building services design engineer degree apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- 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 may be able to work as a building services technician and complete qualifications on the job, or part time with a training provider.
Direct application
You can apply directly for jobs if you've got qualifications and experience in an engineering trade. Relevant engineering experience from other industries is highly valued by employers. Skills in electrical, mechanical, environmental, acoustic or power engineering are good examples.
More info
Professional and industry bodies You can join the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers for access to industry news, study resources and professional development courses. Further information You can find more advice about careers and qualifications in building services from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.
What it takes
Skills & 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 carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
What you'll do
Day to day
You could:
- create plans using CAD and building information modelling software
- design and install controls for systems like heating and ventilation
- estimate costs
- make sure jobs meet building regulations and health and safety requirements
- attend meetings and present ideas and progress reports
- coordinate the work of technicians and craftspeople
Working environment
You could work on a construction site or in an office. You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
With experience, you could move into senior project management, quantity surveying or engineering design. You could also work as a consultant.
