Building services engineer
Building services engineers design, fit and maintain the heating, lighting and power systems in offices, hospitals and shopping centres.
- Starter salary£28,000 a year
- Experienced£51,000 a year
- Typical hours39 to 41 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
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 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
- 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
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
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a:
- Building Services Engineering Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
- 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
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.
Foundation apprenticeship
You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.
If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:
- have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- are in care or have been in care
- are in prison or have been in prison
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
- 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
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.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) for study resources, industry news and professional development courses.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleMechanical engineer
- Job roleEngineering maintenance technician
- Job roleElectrical engineer
- Job roleCommercial energy assessor
- Job roleFacilities manager
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0