Overview
Built for business
Building services engineers are central to the performance, safety and sustainability of the built environment. From heating, lighting and power to lifts, escalators and acoustics, they design, integrate and maintain the systems that enable buildings to function effectively and responsibly. For employers, investing in this discipline means investing in resilient assets, operational efficiency and long-term value.
This apprenticeship has been developed to equip employees with the technical competence and professional behaviours required of a Building Services Engineering Senior Technician. This apprenticeship aligns with Engineering Council (EngTech) for Level 4, supporting professional recognition and career progression within your organisation.
“This apprenticeship has been designed to cover the full spectrum of building services engineering disciplines. Highlighting collaboration and integration across all learning, not just heating, ventilation and air conditioning.” Jonathan Hubert, Programme Developer.
Apprentices will:
Deliver high-quality, data-driven building services with precision and innovation
Champion sustainable practices that support net-zero goals
Produce clear, professional engineering proposals that meet industry standards
Harness the latest digital tools (CAD, Revit, BIM, BEMS) to design smarter, more efficient engineering solutions
About this apprenticeship
What can you expect?
The programme combines academic content with the development of knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) through meaningful, real world experience. Apprentices will apply theoretical principles directly to their projects, whether that be analysing system performance data, contributing to coordinated design packages, or supporting compliance with industry standards and user requirements.
For apprentices to succeed, employer engagement is fundamental. Workplace training (often referred to as on-the-job) ensures apprentices can demonstrate occupational competence across the breadth of building services engineering, strengthening both individual capability and organisational capacity.
Course accreditations
The University plans to seek accreditation for the Certificate of Higher Education Building Services Engineering programme from the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) and the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM).
End-point assessment
This workplace experience is vital for apprentices to pass the end point assessment (EPA) of this apprenticeship. This EPA will be delivered by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and assessed via a technical project report and presentation with questioning, and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio.
This apprenticeship standard is designed to prepare successful apprentices to meet the requirements for registration for Engineering Council (EngTech) for Level 4.
Offers a route to professional membership
Structure
Award
On successful completion, apprentices will be awarded:
- Certificate of Higher Education Building Services Engineering
- Apprenticeship Completion Certificate
Delivery structure
The apprenticeship comprises 120 academic credits, alongside the EPA. Academic delivery is delivered online and includes guided discussions, podcasts, bitesize videos, and quizzes as well as independent study. Any practical competencies will be acquired using relevant digital tools and applied learning activities.
Development of the required knowledge, skills and behaviours is achieved through a combination of workplace training provided by the employer and off-the job training provided by the University.
All employers must be able to provide their apprentices with relevant workplace experience for the requirements of the EPA to be met. This may include working on site to check systems meet user requirements and relevant industry standards, or gaining experience with engineering analysis software to inform and manage solutions.
By partnering in this apprenticeship, employers are not only supporting individual progression but strengthening the technical leadership, sustainability expertise and digital capability of their organisation.
Building Services Fundamentals and Environmental Performance
Discover how buildings create comfortable, healthy, and efficient spaces. You’ll explore heat, light, air, sound, building fabrics, and energy use, while learning how mechanical, electrical and public health systems work together. Develop skills to interpret drawings and understand how design decisions shape building performance.
Mechanical and Public Health Engineering
Explore the systems that heat, ventilate and supply water to buildings, focusing on sustainability and compliance. Topics also include drainage and gas installations, low-carbon technologies, and design safety. You’ll apply thermodynamics and fluid flow principles to real scenarios and gain maths skills in pressure loss calculations, pipe-sizing formulas and flow rate analysis.
Electrical Building Services and Controls
Explore electrical systems and associated control technologies used in buildings. Learn key topics including low-voltage electrical distribution, lighting, fire detection, and ICT infrastructure, while developing skills in load calculations, safety principles and key standards. Understand how electrical systems integrate with wider building services.
Discover how building services support fire safety and resilience. You’ll explore topics including fire dynamics, detection and alarm systems, safety measures, smoke control and suppression technologies, alongside escape design and key regulations. Through case studies, see how fire safety integrates with wider services in real buildings.
Systems Integration and Utility Coordination
Bring your learning together in a practical project, coordinating mechanical, electrical, fire and public health systems using BIM and spatial planning tools. Topics include utility intake planning, service zone design and installation sequencing, with applied numeracy embedded in scale interpretation, service zoning and spatial analysis for clash detection.
Professional Practice, Regulation and Industry Trends
Be prepared for industry challenges in the world of building services engineering. You’ll explore regulations, ethics, and health and safety while learning how engineers collaborate across disciplines. Discover how digitalisation, smart buildings, and decarbonisation are reshaping the industry, and learn how to interpret performance metrics and other data.
The module structure above is indicative for those beginning their studies in the autumn. For further information about programme content, or to see how modules are structured for those starting in spring, you can view the full CertHE Building Services Engineering programme specification, which sets out aims, intended learning outcomes and assessment methods.
Please note that modules are subject to change.
Programme leader
Jonathan Hubert
BSC (Hons) PGCert (Research) ACIAT
Jon is the archetypal career-changer, having worked in the private sector for over 25 years prior to reading for a degree. He graduated in Architectural Technology from the University of West London (UWL). He is now a postgraduate researcher at the University of Portsmouth on the evaluation of building performance.
Online learning
The future of study
Flexible study
Balance your study, work and home commitments, all while working towards your career goals
e-Library access
Full access to a comprehensive and valuable e-library with a wealth of resources to support your studies
Interactive
Study using a diverse range of interactive, modern and dynamic learning resources
Expert-led
Learning activities that have been designed by our lecturers and subject matter experts
Stay connected
Learn alongside a diverse community of students from all over the world
Time commitment and study breakdown
Studying two modules per semester requires an expected time commitment of 15-20 hours per week. If you study only one module per semester, the weekly time commitment will be less, depending on the module’s credit size. Most modules are typically 20 credits.
Directed study time (%)
Self-directed study time (%)
Assessment study time (%)
Our Apprenticeship Outcomes Officers (AOOs) are the main point of contact whilst on the programme. Their role includes providing both apprentice and line managers with regular progress reviews to support with academic and personal development goals.
The experienced Business Development Team is on hand to guide employers through every stage of the apprenticeship, from funding advice to support with the sign-up process and guidance on which apprenticeship programme works best for your business.
Our academic staff are experts in their field and will offer vital support and guidance. Support Tutors can aid apprentices in a variety of ways, from explaining how to use our online resources to helping manage their workload.
The University has a dedicated Disability and Welfare team who work to provide apprentices with the support and tools they need to succeed. Support is available to apprentices with a range of disabilities, health conditions, and learning difficulties.
Why choose University of the Built Environment?
University of the Built Environment is a leading university for the sector, providing flexible and accessible supported online education to all. Our commitment to become the most sustainable university in the world has led us to develop the way we teach, operate, and collaborate with others to ensure that sustainability is integrated into everything that we do.
Our apprenticeship offering is constantly growing to keep up with the demands of the sector. We are proud to have gained a reputation with our clients and industry partners for the excellent support we provide apprentices and employers.
- The largest university provider of Chartered Surveyor apprenticeships, Gov.uk
- 'Good' Ofsted rating, 2021
- 91% of apprentices agreed that the University gave relevant training to help them perform their job better, DfE
- Two-time finalist for Best University for Apprenticeships, Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2025 and 2026
- University of the Built Environment is the only online study provider for this apprenticeship standard
- Clients rate our apprenticeship teams* 8.4/10 for support, University employer survey 2026
- Our curriculum scores 81.9% from clients for alignment with industry standards and business needs, University employer survey 2026
*Business Development and Apprenticeship Outcomes Officers
Discover the story of our apprentice, Sadaqat, and be inspired to take your next steps towards an exciting career!
Application process
For employers
If you’re interested in developing your workforce with this apprenticeship, then please get in touch with our Business Development Team who will be able to guide you through the application process and support with any queries. Find the right apprenticeship candidate for your role through UCAS Talent Finder.
For more information about funding, eligibility, and our processes, as well as insights from current clients, please visit our Employer Apprenticeships webpage.
For prospective apprentices
If you are considering an apprenticeship but are not currently employed, you will need to search for an apprenticeship before applying.
Application deadline
24 Aug 2026
Contact us
To find out more about working with us you can email businessdevelopment@ube.ac.uk or call one of our team.
You can also fill out the contact form below and someone will get back to you: