Building services engineer
Building services engineers design, fit and maintain the heating, lighting and power systems in offices, hospitals and shopping centres.
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
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.
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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
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
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
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
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.
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.
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).
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External links
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