Building services engineer : Training

All trainee building services engineers have to progress through an initial period of professional development before attaining professional engineer status. The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)  can provide details of companies that provide an approved development programme.

Approved professional training is usually undertaken on the job and is based on guidelines set by CIBSE and the Engineering Council . Training is directed by a designated workplace supervisor. ECUK registration status can be gained when the required level of professional competence and responsibility has been achieved. The extent of training support provided by employers during this process will vary, with structured schemes not necessarily being offered, so it is important at the interview stage to ascertain what training support is available.

Beyond initial training, it is important to be self-motivated in progressing personal and professional development and personal training requirements. Individuals can obtain information about competence requirements directly from CIBSE.

It is also important to attend conferences, workshops and networking events to keep up to date with developments in technology and legislation in order to meet ongoing client and employer demands. Professional bodies, such as CIBSE, and trade associations, like the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE)  provide opportunities in areas such as:

• design legislation;
• changes in standards;
• amendments to UK building regulations;
• UK/EU health and safety regulations.