Mechanical Apprenticeships

Building services engineering ensures that buildings function properly. It is a specialised branch of engineering in the construction industry. 

A craftsperson undertakes the planning, installation, testing, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and decommissioning of systems heating, chilled water, hot water, and cold-water systems. These systems are used within a variety of locations, including workplaces, businesses, schools, and hospitals. 

The systems operate by circulating temperature-controlled water throughout the buildings. This provides heating and cooling.  They could be powered by either fossil fuels or renewable energy sources. 

A craftsperson has a detailed knowledge of the systems operating principles.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to set, identify and establish the requirements of the job whether from drawings or clients other instructions. The craftsperson will design and plan work programmes for installation, install pipework systems, test installed pipework and components, and carry out pre-commissioning work, along with de-commissioning and dismantling the system pipework and components. They will contribute to the adjusting the configuration of the systems as they are installed.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other members of the installation team and site managers.

A craftsperson can work within new build construction sites and existing buildings on their own and without supervision, in the most efficient and economical manner.  They must adhere to safe working practices without endangering themselves or others. They will take charge of the quality of their job and will consider environmental concerns.

Comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations; building regulations; industry guidance notes and relevant codes of practice.

Plan, and organise to undertake the installation of systems in ways which use resources effectively to complete work, with consideration for material, quality, safety, security and environmental impact, within relevant legislative requirements, codes of practice and industry recognised practices.

Prepare work areas in both new or existing sites to undertake building services engineering installation, ensuring safe and is maintained; materials, tools and equipment are stored and positioned safely and to allow efficient workflow.

Apply pipework fabrication and jointing techniques for example prefabricated, modularised components or distribution systems.

Identify improvements in the installation against the design.

Apply installation, testing, pre-commissioning, commissioning and decommissioning techniques for including cold water systems; hot water systems, heating systems, chilled water systems.

Instruct, communicate and liaise with own project team, and those in other teams, such as clients or specialist contractors, and with stakeholders.

Ensure that work area is restored to a safe condition, to prescribed standards of cleanliness on completion of installation work.

Prepare and complete relevant work documentation, and handover stages in accordance with organisation policy and procedures and any other relevant information and guidance.

Plan and project manage building engineering services work to ensure quality of outcomes.

Develop and maintain skills in using a range of practical and workshop skills.

An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.

Assessment Methods

Multiple-Choice Test

You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.

The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.

Practical Assessment with Questions

You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 10 hours. They will ask you at least 6 questions.

Interview Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence

You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 90 minutes. They will ask you at least 12 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.

You will attend college on a block release basis giving you ample time to complete your academic studies as well as allowing you time on our sites to gain valuable practical experience.

We work nationally meaning that your on site work experience could involve you travelling or staying away from home. We strongly believe this gives you a unique and exciting opportunity to work on a variety of different projects and sets our apprenticeships apart. Don’t worry, although it can be daunting at first our experienced teams are always on hand to provide help and support. After all 79% of our site team and 32% of our office personnel started as an apprentice with us too so they understand exactly what you are going through.

Applicants will require a minimium of grades 4-9 in English, Maths, Science and 2 other subjects.