Design and technology Archives

How a Retrofit Technician makes a difference

Retrofit Technicians help to fight climate change in the UK by cutting energy waste and reducing carbon emissions at home and work.

They help people save money on energy bills, keep homes warmer and help the country meet net-zero targets by improving how buildings use energy. This work supports healthier, more comfortable spaces and a greener future while supporting growth in construction and sustainable technology.

A man holding a tablet in one hand and reaching out to an external fan unit on the outside of a building.

The type of work a Retrofit Technician will do

Help install low-carbon heating like heat pumps and solar thermal systems
Fit insulation in walls, roofs and floors to stop heat escaping
Install energy-saving systems in buildings
Carry out measurements and support retrofit plans for a building
Use tools and equipment safely on site
Check systems are working correctly after installation

Useful skills

Problem solving

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Technologically minded

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Precise

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Practical application

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Logical thinking

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the Retrofit Technician role

You enjoy working with tools and equipment

You like solving problems and planning how things fit together

You care about the environment and energy-saving

You are fit and comfortable doing physical work

You pay attention to detail on every job

You are happy learning new skills and technology

What you can bring to the Retrofit Technician role

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- Practical hands-on work

- Engineering and mechanics

- Building and construction

- Green technology and sustainability

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Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Retrofit Technician

Starting as a Retrofit Technician can lead to specialist jobs like Retrofit Coordinator or Domestic Energy Assessor, where you design and check retrofit plans. With more training, you could become a supervisor, trainer or even set up your own green retrofit business helping more homes improve their energy efficiency.

How to become a Retrofit Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

A T-level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
An apprenticeship as a Low Carbon Heating Technician
An apprenticeship as an Insulation Technician

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

Retrofit Technicians work on cutting-edge green technologies that help tackle climate change and make buildings greener. You’ll use tools and tech to install things like insulation, heat pumps and solar-thermal systems that help homes stay warm using less energy. Every day is different because each building has its own challenges and you’ll get to learn new skills on the job. You also work outdoors, meet lots of people, and can see the difference you make straight away when homes become more comfortable and cheaper to run.

Other job titles...

You might also see this role listed under different job titles, including:

Heat pump installer
Insulation installer
Renewable heating technician
Retrofit installer
Energy efficiency technician

How a HVAC Technician makes a difference

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. HVAC technicians help people stay warm in winter and cool in summer.

By keeping equipment running efficiently, and by replacing older systems, they also help to reduce energy use and lower carbon emissions. This role supports health, comfort and the environment, making homes, schools, and workplaces better for everyone.

A man wearing blue, stood outside working with electrics.

The type of work a HVAC Technician will do

Install heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
Carry out regular maintenance checks
Test systems to make sure they work safely
Diagnose and repair faults
Read and follow technical drawings and plans
Use tools to measure temperature, pressure and airflow
Replace worn or damaged parts

Useful skills

Logical thinking

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Practical application

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Precise

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Problem solving

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Technologically minded

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the HVAC Technician role

You enjoy practical, hands-on work.

You like solving problems and figuring out how things work.

You can follow instructions carefully.

What you can bring to the HVAC Technician role

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- Engineering and how things work

- Construction and building services

- Environmental issues and energy saving

- Problem solving and repair work

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Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a HVAC Technician

With experience, you could become a senior technician or supervisor. You might specialise in areas like refrigeration or energy-efficient systems (like heat pumps).

There are opportunities to move into design, project management or start your own business. You could also train others, or work on large-scale commercial or industrial projects.

How to become a HVAC Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

A T-level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
An apprenticeship as a Refrigeration air conditioning and heat pump engineering technician

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

This role is varied. You might work in homes one day and large office buildings the next. Technology is always improving, so you will keep learning new skills, especially around greener energy systems. You get to solve real problems and see the results of your work straight away.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Air conditioning engineer
Refrigeration engineer
HVAC engineer
Building services technician
Cooling systems installer
Maintenance engineer

How an HGV Engineering Technician makes a difference

HGV engineering technicians help to keep the country moving. Lorries deliver essential items like food, clothes and fuel around the country. This role makes sure those vehicles are safe, reliable and legal to use on the road.

By spotting problems early and fixing them properly, HGV engineering technicians help prevent breakdowns and accidents. They also work with newer technology, including computer systems that check how vehicles are running, which helps reduce pollution and improve safety for everyone.

A HGV technician working underneath a large vehicle in blue overalls.

The type of work an HGV Engineering Technician will do

Service lorries and other heavy vehicles to make sure they are road worthy
Find faults and work out what is causing them
Repair or replace worn or broken parts
Work on engines, brakes, steering and suspension
Use computers to help diagnose vehicle faults
Prepare vehicles for MOT tests
Keep records of the work carried out

Useful skills

Attention to detail

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Practical application

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Critical thinking

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the HGV Engineering Technician role

You enjoy fixing things and understanding how they work.

You are good at solving problems and thinking logically.

You work carefully and take safety seriously.

You enjoy working practically with your hands.

What you can bring to the HGV Engineering Technician role

This role could also be right for you if you are interested in the following areas:

- Cars, vehicles and engines

- Engineering and mechanics

- Finding out how things work

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Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for an HGV Engineering Technician

With experience, HGV engineering technicians can become senior or master technicians. Some move into supervising a workshop or managing a team. Others specialise in areas like electrical systems or new electric and hybrid vehicles. There are also opportunities to train apprentices or move into roles such as fleet maintenance or technical support.

How to become an HGV Engineering Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

A T-level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
An apprenticeship as a Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

This job lets you work with some of the biggest vehicles on the road. No two days are the same because every vehicle and fault is different. You get to use a mix of hands-on tools and modern computer equipment. As vehicles change, especially with electric and low emission technology, there are always new skills to learn. It is a practical job where you can see the results of your work straight away and know you are doing something important.

Other job titles...

You might also see this role listed under different job titles, including:

Heavy vehicle technician
HGV mechanic
Commercial vehicle technician
Truck and bus technician

How a Structural Engineering Technician makes a difference

Structural engineering technicians help check the places we live, work and travel in are safe and strong. They work with engineers to plan and draw parts of buildings and bridges.

Their work helps stop structures from failing and keeps people protected. By checking designs and materials, they make sure projects follow safety rules. Without this role, buildings and structures might not be tested properly, which could put people at risk.

A mean wearing a hard hat on a building site.

The type of work a Structural Engineering Technician will do

Support engineers to design parts of buildings and structures
Create drawings and plans using computers
Check materials like steel and concrete
Visit building sites to inspect work
Use software to test how structures behave under weight
Measure forces acting on buildings and bridges
Work with engineers, architects and builders

Useful skills

Attention to detail

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Communicating complex ideas

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Precise

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Problem solving

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the Structural Engineering Technician role

You can think logically and solve problems

You enjoy using computers and design tools

You pay attention to small details

You are curious about how things are built

You enjoy drawing and planning

What you can bring to the Structural Engineering Technician role

This role could also be right for you if you are interested in the following areas:

- Computer design and drawing

- Maths and physics

- Buildings and construction

- Problem solving

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Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Structural Engineering Technician

With experience and further study, structural engineering technicians can become senior technicians or team leaders. Some move on to become structural or civil engineers. Others go into areas like building design, surveying or project management as they gain more skills and qualifications.

How to become a Structural Engineering Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

A T-level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
An apprenticeship as an Engineering Design Technician or Structural Design Technician

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

This role lets you help create real things like bridges, stadiums, tall buildings and homes. You will see projects grow from ideas on a screen to real structures on site. You use modern technology to test designs and solve problems. Some days are spent in an office and others out on site. You play an important part in keeping people safe by safe by helping check that structural designs are carried out properly.

Other job titles...

You might also see this role listed under different job titles, including:

Structural technician
Structural CAD technician
Engineering design technician
BIM technician

How a Research and Development Technician makes a difference

As a Research and Development Technician, you help test and refine ideas so they can become real working products.

You make sure designs work properly, help test and improve prototypes, and share your findings with engineers and other team members. Your work helps businesses build better, safer and more useful products, from cars and aircraft to everyday machines, and makes sure things work as they should before they reach customers.

Louisa wearing an apron, facemask, safety goggles, and gloves, measuring out a liquid in the lab.

The type of work a Research and Development Technician will do

Help prepare and set up tools and equipment safely
Carry out tests on parts, systems and prototypes
Record results and check quality against designs
Work with engineers to solve problems found during testing
Read and follow drawings, plans and technical information
Use workshop and lab equipment such as measurement tools or 3D printers

Useful skills

Problem solving

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Attention to detail

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Logical thinking

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Practical application

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the Research and Development Technician role

An interest in designing and improving things

A basic understanding of maths and science

Curiosity to explore why something does not work

Patience with tasks that take time and focus

A positive approach to solving problems

What you can bring to the Research and Development Technician role

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- Design and technology

- Computer-aided design (CAD)

- Engineering and mechanics

- Problem-solving and experimenting

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Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Research and Development Technician

Starting as a Research and Development Technician can lead to roles such as product development technician, design technician or specialist technical roles. With experience and further training, you could move into higher technical jobs or work towards becoming an engineer.

How to become a Research and Development Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

A T-level in Engineering, manufacturing, processing and control
An apprenticeship as an Engineering Technician

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

This role combines hands-on practical work with creative thinking. You might help build and test new ideas, work with prototypes or use digital tools to check how things fit and function. You will work alongside engineers in industries such as manufacturing, automotive or aerospace, helping test and improve products people use every day. There is always something new to learn and improve, making the job varied and interesting.

Other job titles...

You might also see this role listed under different job titles, including:

Engineering Technician
Product Design and Development Technician
Prototype Technician
Laboratory Technician
Technical Support Technician

How a Mechatronics Technician makes a difference

Mechatronics technicians are essential in places that use machines with lots of moving parts, like factories making cars or planes. They make sure the machines that help produce goods are safe, efficient and reliable.

When something breaks or doesn’t work correctly, they find the problem and fix it so the production line can keep running, which keeps products flowing to shops and customers. Their work helps companies meet goals for safety, quality and production.

Man in blue overalls and yellow hard had working on an industrial size electric board.

The type of work a Mechatronics Technician will do

Install and set up automated equipment
Test machine systems to make sure they work properly
Find faults when things go wrong
Fix or adjust mechanical, electrical and control system problems
Do planned maintenance to prevent breakdowns
Keep clear records of completed work

Useful skills

Practical application

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Problem solving

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Technologically minded

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Attention to detail

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the Mechatronics Technician role

You enjoy solving problems.

You like working with your hands and technical tools.

You can understand instructions and read diagrams.

You are good at focusing on details.

You stay calm and organised under pressure.

You are keen to learn about different technologies.

What you can bring to the Mechatronics Technician role

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- Robotics

- Electronics and circuitry

- Computers

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Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Mechatronics Technician

Once trained, mechatronics technicians can specialise further in roles like Maintenance Engineer or Automation Specialist. With more experience you might move into team leadership, technical management, project engineering or broader engineering roles in sectors such as aerospace, automotive and energy.

How to become a Mechatronics Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

A T-level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
An apprenticeship as an Engineering technician

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

As a mechatronics technician, you work with lots of modern machines and systems that combine mechanics, electricity and electronics. You get to figure out how things work and be the person who gets things back up and running when they go wrong. You might work on robots, conveyor systems, control panels and sensors. Some days you’ll be in busy workshops or production halls, and other days you could be solving complex problems on advanced automated equipment. This role is hands on, varied and gives you skills employers across many industries value.

Other job titles...

You might also see this role listed under different job titles, including:

Mechatronics Maintenance Technician
Automation Technician
Engineering Technician
Maintenance Engineer
Technical Support Technician

How a Power Networks Technician makes a difference

The electricity we receive in our homes, schools, factories, shops and offices is transported to us through a vast network of high-voltage power cables, transformers and storage facilities. This network needs to be planned, managed and maintained, as more places need electricity and parts of the network get old.

The energy that creates the electricity comes from several different sources, including fossil fuel power stations and increasingly renewable sources of energy, including solar farms, and wind and wave turbines. You could be the technician who helps to connect the new, cleaner sources and contributes to greener energy supply.

A power network technician doing maintenance in an electrical substation.

The type of work a Power Networks Technician will do

Using electrical testing and measuring equipment
Following the correct procedures for completing checks
Maintaining key interconnecting points on the network
Stripping machinery down and putting it back together
Installing new equipment
Completing reports on the work carried out
Providing accurate and reliable data to support business decisions

Useful skills

Precise

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Logical thinking

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Instructing others

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the Power Networks Technician role

An interest in engineering and how electricity is generated.

An interest in learning about renewable energy and how it connects to the UK’s power networks.

The confidence to read, understand and interpret technical information.

A knack for teaching others how to do things.

What you can bring to the Power Networks Technician role

A natural ability to look at a problem logically and consider all possibilities before deciding on the way forward.

Good planning and design skills which help you present a complex system in an organised way with good attention to detail.

The ability to absorb instructions quickly and put what you’ve learned into practice.

What you can bring to the Power Networks Technician role

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- sustainability

- science

- building, making and fixing things

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Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Power Networks Technician

You will begin your career working in a team, learning how different parts of power networks connect and operate. With experience you may become a specialist in a particular area, with responsibility for training others.

You might choose to specialise in renewable energy because of your commitment to combatting climate change. Or you could become involved in the commissioning of new technologically-advanced kit that is more energy efficient and reliable.

How to become a Power Networks Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job. But if you're interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

A T-level in Media, Broadcast and Production.

More options available after that:

An apprenticeship as a Junior Production Coordinator.
An apprenticeship as a Post Production Technical Operator.
An apprenticeship as a Post Production Engineer.

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

The network that electricity travels across is known as the National Grid. If one part of it breaks down, the grid will continue to supply electricity from other power stations on the grid. Through the maintenance work you do, you’ll help to ensure people don’t lose their electricity supply. Or if extreme weather conditions mean electric power is down, you’ll be part of the team making sure it is supplied again quickly.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Substation Engineer
Asset Management Engineer
Planning Engineer
Design Engineer
Control Engineer
Electrical Project Engineer
Operational Delivery Manager

How a Museum and Galleries Technician makes a difference

Exhibitions in museums and galleries are increasingly interactive, with moving parts, controllers, audio visual elements, and digital components all helping to build engagement with people of all ages.

Displays need to be built within strict deadlines and, once an exhibition is open to the public, it needs to be maintained. You could be the technician who makes sure every moving and interactive part in an exhibition works perfectly, enabling greater learning opportunities and enjoyment for visitors.

The type of work a Museum and Galleries Technician will do

Planning and maintaining technical elements of exhibitions
Producing documentation on how different features work
Assessing the risk involved in different display approaches
Handling precious objects and preparing them for transportation
Maintaining tools and equipment
Fixing displays while the museum or exhibition is open to the public
Working with exhibition designers on how displays should work

Visitors exploring the interactive Technicians gallery, at the Science Museum in London.

What you can bring to the Museum and Galleries Technician role

An enjoyment of museums and exhibitions.

An interest in how things work.

Skill at defining and solving unexpected problems.

The ability to think through ideas and apply what you’ve learned.

What you can bring to the Museum and Galleries Technician role

Strength in written communication and teaching others.

The ability to focus on detailed work and make accurate decisions.

Maturity and a strong sense of responsibility.

What you can bring to the Museum and Galleries Technician role

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- art, film, fashion and design

- building, making and fixing things

- gaming and technology

Useful skills

Problem solving

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Critical thinking

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Instructing others

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Attention to detail

Skills & attributes

Future career opportunities for a Museum and Galleries Technician

You might decide to specialise in a particular technical area or alternatively develop a broad range of skills working in an agency that helps to bring exhibitions to life.

As your skills develop, you could end up leading a technical team in a world famous museum or gallery or work as a freelancer, taking your technical skills to exhibitions all over the world.

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Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

How to become a Museum and Galleries Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

A T-level in Craft and Design.
An apprenticeship as a Museum and Galleries Technician.

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

You’ll support exhibition designers with the realisation of their creative vision and might work in an environment that contains priceless artefacts or world famous works of art. You’ll also use wide-ranging materials and will get involved in different kinds of technical projects.

Other job titles...

Advanced Operators
Manufacturing Technician
Process Development Technician
Process Technician
Technical Operator

How a Civil Engineering Technician makes a difference

Every bridge, building, road, or tunnel we use has the expertise of civil engineers built into it. Their expertise helps to make the villages, towns and cities we all live and work in, and they play an ever-increasing role safeguarding and improving environments to preserve them for future generations.

Civil engineering technicians support this design and creation process. They plan, manage, and coordinate the building phase of civil engineering projects, and provide construction teams with project specifications and information. You could be the technician who contributes to remarkable things being built that improve people’s lives, while also considering the environment.

A man and woman discussing and annotating engineering drawings.

The type of work a Civil Engineering Technician will do

Producing and modifying engineering diagrams and models
Collecting and interpreting technical information and carrying out calculations
Using digital technologies to prepare and present designs and visualisations
Confirming designs meet all health, safety and welfare requirements
Following environmental policies and finding ways to achieve environmental ambitions
Supporting construction projects with relevant technical information
Meeting with clients, architects, building contractors, and local authorities to present and collaborate on plans

Useful skills

Logical thinking

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Communicating complex ideas

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Problem solving

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Technologically minded

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the Civil Engineering Technician role

An enthusiasm for buildings and infrastructure and how they can change people’s lives for the better.

A passion for finding new solutions to environmental challenges.

The ability to think a problem through from different perspectives before selecting the best way forward.

What you can bring to the Civil Engineering Technician role

A knack for making difficult things easy to understand and communicating them to others.

A strong sense of responsibility for carrying out tasks accurately, paying attention to small details.

The confidence to use new technology and a talent for creating things on a computer.

What you can bring to the Civil Engineering Technician role

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- building, making and fixing things

- exploring problems and finding answers

- sustainability

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Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Civil Engineering Technician

You could start your career in a consultancy where you work on a range of different projects for UK and international clients. Or you might decide to work for a large building contractor responsible for overseeing the delivery of major projects.

With experience you could lead a team of technicians, or decide to specialise in the planning of a specific kind of infrastructure or building. Alternatively, you could decide to become a programme manager, overseeing implementation of every part of the process from design to delivery.

How to become a Civil Engineering Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

A T-level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction.
An apprenticeship as a Civil Engineering Technician.

More options available after that:

A Higher Technical Qualification, such as a Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering for England.
An apprenticeship as a Civil Engineering Senior Technician.

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

The range of building and infrastructure projects civil engineering technicians can get involved in is extensive. Parks and public spaces need planning, just as much as tunnels and roads. Schools, hospitals, and museums need just as much thought as bridges and offices. Water, waste and coastal engineering systems require just as much civil engineering expertise. And with the constant evolution of technology, such as augmented reality, designs can be experienced in full before they are built.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Civil Infrastructure Technician
Structural Technician
Construction Technician
Design Technician
Engineering Technician
Site Technician

How a Building Services Technician makes a difference

Industrial, commercial and public buildings all have mechanical, electrical, and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, which are used to create safe, comfortable, and effective operating environments for people and products.

The role of a Building Services Technician is defining and managing where and how these systems are used, to ensure easy access and control, reliable performance, and high levels of energy efficiency. Design and operation decisions need to balance cost, comfort, safety, health and wellbeing. You could be the technician that helps to create positive working environments and to reduce energy consumption.

The type of work a Building Services Technician will do

Designing and creating building systems technical information
Creating wiring and power plans
Designing and writing software for control systems to industry approved standards
Designing interfaces for the operation of different systems
Reviewing control panel drawings and specifications
Installing system control equipment and wiring systems
Carrying out a maintenance review of an installed control system
Working with a wide range of people including owners and operators of buildings, facilities management, and diverse businesses using office spaces and buildings

Useful skills

Attention to detail

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Communicating complex ideas

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Logical thinking

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the Building Services Technician role

An interest in understanding how mechanical and electrical equipment works.

A desire to help buildings and businesses reduce the amount of energy they use.

The natural ability to look at a problem logically and review all solutions before deciding on the best way forward.

What you can bring to the Building Services Technician role

The ability to focus on your work and make accurate decisions.

The knack for explaining complex ideas and systems to other people.

The confidence to work with a range of different people and collaborate on solving problems.

What you can bring to the Building Services Technician role

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- science and technology

- building, making and fixing things

- sustainability

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*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Building Services Technician

With experience, you could lead a building system design team. This could be for an engineering consultancy, a national or international building firm, or in central and local government.

There are also career opportunities inside organisations that do their own construction work, such as major retailers, energy and water companies, and the NHS.

How to become a Building Services Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

A T-level in Building Services Engineering for Construction.
An apprenticeship as a Building Services Engineering Technician.

More options available after that:

A Higher Technical Qualification, such as a Higher National Certificate in Building Services Engineering for England.
An apprenticeship as a Building Energy Management Systems Control Engineer.

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

As well as being involved in the design of building systems, you could also write related software, produce control system graphics, and be involved in the installation and maintenance of control systems. As technology evolves, more buildings are connecting and integrating electrical, mechanical, and security systems to create ‘Smart Buildings’. So you could get involved in analysing data and developing very energy efficient environments.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

BEMS (Building Energy Management System) Engineer
BEMS Control Engineer