Building services engineer : Entry requirements

Entry is via an engineering qualification. A degree in the following subjects is likely to increase your chances:

• building services engineering;
• building environment engineering;
• electrical engineering;
• mechanical engineering;
• other engineering degree.

Engineering or technology HNDs/foundation degrees can fulfil all the academic requirements to become an engineering technician (EngTech) or part of the requirements to gain incorporated engineer (IEng) status (appropriate further learning to degree level would then be needed).

Apprenticeships are available through the modern apprenticeship scheme. SummitSkills , the sector skills council for building services engineering, can provide further details on qualifications and apprenticeships.

Chartered engineer (CEng) or incorporated engineer (IEng) status are achieved through membership of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)  or other engineering institutions licensed by the Engineering Council . For chartered status, an accredited first degree with honours in engineering or technology, plus an appropriate accredited MEng or an accredited integrated MEng degree are usually required. Accreditation of degrees is conferred by CIBSE and the ECUK.

Degrees in building services engineering or environmental engineering usually meet the academic requirements for admission to membership of CIBSE. Accredited BEng Honours degrees in all other engineering subjects, such as mechanical and electrical and electronic engineering, are accepted if accredited by an ECUK-nominated engineering institution.

Individuals with qualifications not listed on the ECUK website are assessed individually. Other relevant institutions include the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)  and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) .

Pre-entry experience is not formally required, but relevant work experience during the holidays or through industry sponsorship can enhance job applications and help with making contacts in the sector.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• problem-solving ability;
• analytical ability;
• communication skills;
• the ability to work as part of a team;
• numeracy;
• time-management;
• technical drawing, computer modelling and IT competence.

CIBSE offers student membership to those on relevant courses, which can lead to valuable networking opportunities at industry events as well as discounted prices on publications and other resources.

Jobs are usually advertised throughout the year, but speculative applications may be productive, especially for jobs in consultancies.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.