Building Services Engineer
Job Description:Building services engineers design, install and maintain equipment in buildings, like air-conditioning, heating or water systems.
Job Category:What you will do:
You’ll be responsible for the heating, water, electrical and telecoms systems inside a building, such as an office block or shop. You might also involved in the design and installation of systems, or oversee their maintenance once up and running.
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- providing maintenance support
- overseeing contractors on site
- drawing up plans using CAD and building information modelling software
- estimating costs
- making sure jobs meet building regulations and health and safety requirements
- attending meetings and presenting ideas and progress reports
- coordinating the work of technicians and craftspeople
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- the ability to read English
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative (ambition)
Entry Requirements:
Becoming a Building Services Engineer typically requires a foundation in science, mathematics, and engineering-related subjects. While there are no strict GCSE subject requirements, certain subjects can provide a strong foundation for pursuing a career in this field. Here are some relevant GCSE subjects that can be beneficial for becoming a Building Services Engineer:
Relevant GCSE Subjects
- Mathematics: Strong math skills are essential for calculations, problem-solving, and designing building systems.
- Physics: Physics provides an understanding of principles related to energy, mechanics, and the behavior of materials, which are applicable to building systems.
- Design and Technology: This subject can provide insights into engineering design, materials, and practical skills.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computer software for modelling, simulation, and design is valuable.
You’ll need to either:
- start on a graduate trainee scheme after completing a foundation degree or degree in building services engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems control engineering
- take a degree apprenticeship, then take further qualifications to qualify as an engineer
Employers may also consider you if you have:
- experience of working as an engineer in a different industry, like acoustic, electrical, energy, environmental, mechanical, or power engineering
- a related degree, like electrical engineering, construction and the built environment, or sustainable construction
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll work for design consultancies, major building contractors, building services contractors, manufacturers of equipment, local authorities, government departments, hospitals, factories or power stations.
You’ll usually work 35 to 40 hours a week. You may have to work extra hours to meet deadlines. You may be on-call.
You’ll work in an office and on building sites.
You’ll usually need a driving licence.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could move into senior project management, quantity surveying or engineering design.
You could become a consultant.