Building Services Engineer
In a nutshell
Building services engineers are involved with systems such as water, heating, lighting, electricity and ventilation. They design, install and maintain all these essential systems, ensuring that our homes, schools and workplaces are healthy and comfortable places to inhabit. There are jobs available in building services at three levels - engineering technician, incorporated engineer and chartered engineer. They can work for large construction companies, engineering consultants, architects' practices or local authorities.
In depth
Their work involves:
- designing the systems that keep modern buildings going, either on paper or using sophisticated CAD packages
- advising architects on their designs
- repairing and maintaining systems
- making detailed calculations and drawings
- assessing the legal issues associated with building services
- working with other construction professionals
- helping to protect the environment by keeping energy wastage to a minimum and using wind or solar power.
The people
Building services engineers have a flair for design as well as attention to detail. They have a wide interest in science, especially physics, IT and electronics. They work well with other people and are interested in making a system cost-effective as well as environmentally friendly and comfortable. At the moment there is a nationwide shortage of skilled building services engineers, which means good graduates from relevant degrees will be highly prized.
Qualifications required
To become a building services engineering technician you will need a relevant HND. It's useful if you pass GCSEs or standard grades in science subjects, maths and IT. To become an incorporated or chartered building services engineer you should do A-levels or Highers in relevant subjects such as physics and electronics, followed by a degree.
There are two kinds of building services degrees - incorporated (minimum three years) and chartered (minimum four years). Many courses include a year out in industry. You don't necessarily need a building services degree - engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering students are all eligible to get a job in the sector. You will, however, need to do a postgraduate degree in building services to get a professional qualification. Often the courses are sponsored by employers.
Salary
A graduate trainee in building services engineering earns an average of £16,562; after ten years' experience the average salary is £24,750 (source: www.building.co.uk).
Getting professional
The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has eight grades of membership and you can join as a student at the age of 16 if you're studying building services. You can then receive free information, help with your professional training and access to other members.
