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Overview
60 years of expertise
Did you know that more than half the graduates working in the building services engineering field in the UK have been educated at LSBU? With more than 60 years of expertise, our course will equip you with the technical and managerial know-how to be effective in this specialist sector.
Building services engineering covers the design, installation, operation and maintenance of all the things that make a building safe, comfortable, energy efficient and functional. It’s always in demand and set to grow as buildings’ designs evolve to become more sustainable.
The full apprenticeship standard and assessment plan can be found on the Building services engineering senior technician / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
Apprenticeship Employment Guidelines
Apprenticeship Evidence Pack Guidance
Why study Building Services Engineering at LSBU?
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- No.1 London Modern University for research intensity in Building (Complete University Guide 2019).
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- Heritage: we have been running courses for the building services engineering industry since 1947
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- We have one of the best laboratory–workshop complexes in London.
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- Ranked 2nd amongst London competitors for overall satisfaction in Building courses (National Student Survey 2018).
| ModePart-time | Duration2 years + EPA | Start dateSeptember | Application code4952 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Register your interest
Entry Level Requirements
- A Level EEE - Must include Mathematics and preferably a Science in either Chemistry or Physics (UCAS points: 48)
- T-level (Pass or above) in Construction: Design, Surveying And Planning. (UCAS points: 72)
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma MPP in an Engineering subject area or Construction and Built Environment area (Must include Mathematics and
- advanced Mathematics) (UCAS points: 64)
- Building Services Engineering Technician level 3 apprenticeship MP (UCAS points: 48) alongside grade Pass or Distinction at EPA
- Access to HE qualifications with 45 Passes supported by substantial relevant work experience
- Other equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 64 UCAS points supported by substantial relevant work experience
- Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
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Funding
The cost of the apprenticeship is paid fully by the employer (sometimes part funded by the government) through apprenticeship levy. The apprenticeship levy is a pot of money some companies pay into, which all businesses have access to spend on the training costs of apprenticeships. Companies fall into two categories: levy-payers (who pay into the pot) and non-levy payers (who do not). You can find out more in our Levy and Funding section, specifically for employers
The apprentice does not contribute toward the cost of study.
Bands
Apprenticeship standards are all assigned a funding band by the Government – these funding bands are the maximum amount the Government will fund via the levy towards a given apprenticeship standard. There are currently 30 funding bands ranging from £1,000 to £27,000.
Incentives
Employers with less than 50 staff sending an apprentice aged 16-18 will have 100% of the training costs paid by the government. All employers who employ an apprentice aged 16-18 on the first day of teaching will receive a £1,000 incentive from the government. You can find out more in our Levy and Funding section, specifically for employers.
Cost
You can find out the funding band for an Apprenticeship Standard on the Government website. To find out how much we are charging, please get in touch with us at apprenticeships@lsbu.ac.uk
Field trips
Some modules include field with and site visits, which may be residential or outside the United Kingdom, ranging from three to five days. These are organised by the Division and students are required to contribute towards the cost. If there are any field trips or any course visits as part of your course, we will let you know in good time.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Part-time | Duration 2 years + EPA | Start date September | Application code 4952 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
An Apprenticeship Standard is comprised of a programme of study, an End Point Assessment and on-the-job learning. This means that in addition to meeting academic requirements, you’ll need to be employed in a role related to your apprenticeship. The process of applying depends on whether you have an employer to sponsor (and support) you.
If you are employed and your employer has confirmed they will support your apprenticeship:
You are welcome to submit an application via our application system. You’ll need to provide details of your employment/employer as part of the application. You’ll also need to ensure you and your employer meet the requirements – find out who can be an apprentice to see if you meet the entry requirements and employer commitments to find out more about your employer’s role.
If you are not employed:
- You will need to find a job role related to the apprenticeship you wish to apply for, with an employer who is happy to support you. If you would like to find an employer to support your apprenticeship with LSBU, you can search which employers are currently advertising Apprenticeships via the National Apprenticeship Service website searching for ‘London South Bank University’ as keywords.
- If there are no search results, this means there are currently no vacancies. We update our vacancies regularly, so please do check back regularly.
- Many employers advertise their apprenticeship vacancies on their websites or via other portals. You could search for ‘find an apprenticeship’ online.
- When you’re ready to apply, see the government's advice on how to write a winning apprenticeship application and make your application.
Further information for apprentices
If you’re a prospective apprentice, you can find out more about who can be an apprentice on our student pages.
Further information for employers
If you’re an employer, you can find information about the employer commitments and further related information on the related pages for business.
See our admissions policy 1.0 MB and complaints policy 516.0 KB.
Prepare to start
There are steps the apprentices, the employer and the University need to complete before you start your course. Take a look at the steps to be completed in the Enrolment section. Employers may also like to look at our steps to offering an apprenticeship.
Level 4 modules contain a broad mixture of mechanical and electrical services together with management and supporting maths and science.
Year 1
- Foundation engineering mathematics
This module covers the mathematics relevant to a range of engineering disciplines at level S. it's suitable for HNC and HND Engineering courses. The topics include algebra, coordinate geometry, vectors and calculus. Assessment method: 100% exam. - Electrical principles
This module will teach you the underpinning skills and electrical engineering principles relevant to electrical building services engineering, which will then be applied contextually. Assessment method: 100% exam. - Construction practice
This module aims to provide you with the knowledge of the interrelationships between industry, professional bodies and education, and an understanding of key professional and research requirements. It will provide you with a roadmap for your professional career, and will enable you to prepare for employment in the construction discipline. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Introduction to building services engineering principles
The module will introduce the underpinning concepts, purpose and types of building services. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Thermofluids principles
This module will teach you the underpinning skills and electrical engineering principles relevant to mechanical building services engineering, which will then be applied contextually. Assessment method: 100% exam.
Year 2
- Engineering mathematics
This module consolidates the mathematical skills that underpin engineering degrees. It's specifically designed to cater for the wide differences in mathematical background of first year students to reach an equivalent A-level maths and then extending it by introducing the main mathematical techniques that are required in the early stages of engineering degrees. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Professional skills
- Internal environment and comfort
This module is divided into three main parts: the first part will deal with the theory and practical application of acoustics; the second part will analyse the theory and practice of light and lightning theory; and the third part will deal with thermal environment and comfort. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam. - Heating and ventilation systems
This module will introduce you to heating and ventilation systems. On heating systems, the focus will be on Low Pressure Hot Water (LPHW) systems, covering the operating pressure and temperatures, boilers, system efficiency, heat emitters, and pipe sizing, heating and district eating. On ventilation systems, you'll consider the ventilation requirements, you'll learn about the various types of systems (including natural ventilation) and the component parts of ventilation systems, and you'll analyse their performance. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
Careers
Employability Service
By completing the apprenticeship route, you’ll have the advantage of having real-world work experience, working in a role related to your area of study. This will give you a competitive edge among other graduates when you complete your apprenticeship standard.
During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, who can help you develop your skills through the Careers Gym workshops and presentations. Our JobShop advisers support students and graduates with finding the right job for them.
We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018.
Benefits of the apprenticeship standard route
By studying the apprenticeship route, you gain real world work experience combined with a better understanding and analysis of your daily tasks, building skills and contacts, giving youthe edge on graduation.
Role
Typical job titles can include: Assistant Project Engineer, Assistant Engineer or Building Services Site Technician.
In the case of SME building contractors, the roles are likely to include Assistant Project Managers, Project Managers and Site Managers.
This apprenticeship is designed to create highly skilled employees who can contribute to the success of complex construction projects by demonstrating key aspects of the installation of building services equipment, such as mechanical and electrical services, and coordinating site activities as well as contributing to wider project objectives.
Building services engineering technicians work on construction sites and, as well as being able to deliver their own technical responsibilities, they supervise a workforce and ensure their safety and the safety of others. There is also some liaison with third parties such as design teams, clients and statutory authorities.
Due to the technical nature of the role it is essential that apprentices are educated and trained to a level and breadth that exceeds that of the trades-based workforce that they are coordinating. Successful completion of the Apprenticeship Standard demonstrates that the apprentice has the skills and behaviours to work competently as a technician.
The on-the-job element of your apprenticeship will give the opportunity to work and network with other professionals in the industry.
We have been running courses for the building services engineering industry since 1947. In that time we’ve built up a lot of industry contacts. Our close links with industry ensure that our course is up-to-date with their needs – and this means our graduates are in demand.
BSEIAB (Building Services Engineering Industrial Advisory Board)
Our partners help our academic staff to maintain a balance between academic requirements and up-to-date industrial practice with regular meetings and visits to their companies.
Teaching and Assessment
Duration
The academic programme lasts for 2 years. The End Point Assessment (EPA) is a further 3-6 months.
Assessment
Assessment of the academic element of this apprenticeship will consist of course work, exams and timed assessments. There will be formal lectures, study guides, course notes, directed reading, class tutorials, assignments and small-group projects.
End point assessment
The apprentice will be expected to demonstrate through both a presentation-style response to a technical project brief and a structured interview informed by a written report, that they have acquired the knowledge and behaviours to undertake the role of a building services engineering technician.
The assessment organisation will ensure their assessment process is aligned to the Engineering Council Engineering Technician review process.
Throughout the EPA, the apprentice will need to include how they have, or would, use Building Information Modelling (BIM) to access and work with data.
| Lectures, seminars and workshops | Self-directed study | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 26% | 74% |
| Year 2 | 26% | 74% |
Personal Tutoring
As a Built Environment and Architecture student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic support. Your personal tutor will be the same person throughout your course.
Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.
Your tutor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.
You will have meetings with your personal tutor periodically. One-on-one meetings can be arranged on request. You can contact your tutor for additional support by email or in person.