Maintenance

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

For 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

For 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

For 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).

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.