Building Services Design Engineer - Degree Apprentice - Birmingham

About Us

Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield.

We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability.

Why Join Us?

• Collaborate with industry-leading specialists.
• Work on progressive and exciting projects from day one.
• Advance your career through a structured Career Paths framework.
• Receive accredited training and development with a dedicated mentor and supervisor, supporting you to Chartership.

Joining Hoare Lea offers the chance to play a part in the future of engineering design. We are committed to sustainable design, innovation, and collaboration.

The Role

As part of one of the UK’s largest building engineering consultancies, you will collaborate with skilled engineers and work on high-profile projects within a multi-disciplinary team. Examples of projects include Bispebjerg Hospital in Denmark, Canolfan Pentre Awel in Carmarthen, and Oxford North.

Your day-to-day tasks will vary as you'll be exposed to all aspects of our work. This may include:

• Working on live projects.
• Undertaking site surveys.
• Producing detailed designs and drawings.
• Using computer modelling software.
• Researching new technologies.
• Attending meetings with project teams, clients, or end users.
• Preparing engineering system designs.
• Writing specifications.
• Monitoring progress on construction sites.

There may be opportunities to specialise in electrical, mechanical, or digital engineering design. Communication will span all these areas, involving liaison with project teams, clients, and attending collaborative meetings.

Training

• Apprenticeship: Building services engineer / Skills England
• Provider: Coventry University Apprenticeships
• You will develop technical and management skills in design and project management.
• In-house learning support, mentoring, and supervision are provided.
• You will receive one day of study leave per week during term times to attend university for your BSc or BEng Building Services Engineering degree, working towards Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status.
• The typical duration is 60 months, dependent on experience.

About You

To be successful, you’ll need to meet the University’s entry requirements:

• Academic: Three A levels at BBC (including Mathematics and preferably Chemistry or Physics); OR T-Level at Merit or above in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning; OR BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in an Engineering subject (with Merit in Mathematics and Further Mathematics); OR BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DD in an Engineering subject (with Merit in Mathematics and Further Mathematics); OR Level 3 or Level 4 Building Services Design Technician Apprenticeship; OR a career on the tools (e.g., Electrician or Mechanic) looking to move into an office setting.
• Genuine interest in developing a career within the sector.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• A friendly, ambitious, and confident individual with a flexible and resilient approach.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary and industry-leading training and development.
• 9-day fortnight scheme.
• Community groups and social events.
• Private medical cover.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Stock options.
• 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service).
• Flexible and hybrid working.

How to Apply

Complete a CV profile, answer a couple of questions, and submit your application.

Recruitment Process

• Applications close – 6th November 2026
• Telephone Interviews – November/December 2026
• Selection Event – January/February 2027
• Start Date – September 2027