2027 Building Services Design Engineer - Degree Apprentice

To achieve a BSc/BEng Building Services Engineering degree.

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.

Hoare Lea | Life-changing design
When we embark on a project journey, we are making a commitment to the client and each other.

We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.

Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.

The Role

Being part of one of the UK’s largest building engineering consultancies, we benefit from collaborating with some of the best engineers in the business, with access to state-of-the-art technical support, and have the opportunity to work on some of the largest and most high-profile projects as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Bispebjerg Hospital in Denmark, Canolfan Pentre Awel in Carmarthen, Multi-Megawatt Data Centre Campus, Oxford North in Oxford, One Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester, Gwynfaen in Swansea, and the nature-based net-zero neighbourhood of Earls Court in London, are examples of some of the amazing projects where we have led the design with other Hoare Lea disciplines.

As an Apprentice, your day-to-day tasks will vary, as we’ll expose you to all aspects of our work so you can discover what suits you. You could be;

  • Working on live projects from day one
  • In a variety of sectors from healthcare to hotels, retail to residential
  • Producing detailed designs and drawings
  • Using the latest computer modelling software
  • Undertaking site surveys
  • Researching ground-breaking technologies
  • Having regular meetings with project teams, clients or end users
  • Preparing engineering system designs on computers
  • Writing specifications
  • Monitoring progress on construction sites.

There could be opportunities to specialise in electrical, mechanical or digital engineering design.

Communicating will span all of these, as we regularly liaise with project teams, meet clients or end users, and attend collaborative meetings.

Training

  • Apprenticeship - Building services engineer/Skills England
  • Provider – Building Services Design Engineering Apprenticeship BEng (Hons) | London South Bank University

You will develop and enhance your technical and management skills in a variety of applications and job roles, including design and project management. Additional learning support is provided in-house, and you will receive mentoring and supervision throughout your Apprenticeship.

You will receive one day study leave during term times to attend university to work towards your BSc or BEng Building Services Engineering degree providing a route to gain Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status.

The typical duration for this apprenticeship is 60 months, but this will depend on the previous experience of the apprentice and opportunities to gain the full range of competence.

About you

To be successful in this role, you’ll need…

  • To meet the University’s entry requirements either;
    • Three A levels at Grades A*-C including Mathematics and preferably a Science in either Chemistry or Physics; or
    • T-Level at Merit or above in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, or similar; or
    • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in an Engineering subject or above, with a minimum of Merit in Mathematics and Further Mathematics; or
    • BTEC Level 3 National Diploma D*D* in an Engineering subject or above, with a minimum of 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. an Electrician or a Mechanic, who wants 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 environment and independently
  • A friendly, ambitious and confident individual with a flexible and resilient approach

Why Join Us?

  • You’ll collaborate with the industry’s best, working with a wide range of built-environment specialists.
  • You’ll be part of progressive and exciting projects from day one, able to experience innovative schemes across all sectors.
  • You’ll advance your career, your way, thanks to our structured Career Paths framework.
  • You’ll be encouraged through our accredited training and development scheme with a dedicated mentor and supervisor, supporting you to Chartership, if you wish.

Joining us is the chance to play your part in the future of engineering design. Our projects span scales, styles, and geographies. We’re committed to sustainable design, innovation, and collaboration with forward-thinking clients. Straight away you’ll experience working on live projects.

Our Benefits

To reward your hard work and commitment we offer both core and flexible benefits, a competitive salary and industry leading training and development to support you throughout your career. We are as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality.

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9-day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service), alongside flexible and hybrid working.

How to Apply

To apply simply complete a CV profile, answer a couple questions, and submit your application.

Our projects are human-centric, and so is our recruitment process. Once you’ve applied, you’ll speak to a person every step of the way. Here’s our planned timeline:

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

Please only apply for one location for your discipline, if you are flexible with location, great! – you will have the chance to select your other location preferences, and this will be confirmed again with you at telephone interview. If you apply for multiple locations, you will only be considered for the location you have applied for.

Please note: We do not offer visa sponsorship for this apprenticeship role. Only candidates already authorised to work in the UK – e.g. British/Irish citizens, EU Settled/Pre-Settled, ILR holders – will be considered.

Adjustments and accommodations

If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to ensure you can participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence, or anything else) please let us know.

Flexible working

We are committed to enabling a healthy work-life balance for all employees. So, we welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements to suit their particular needs and lifestyle, including part-time, term-time-only, and remote working.

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Job ID Number: 2247
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Add to Shortlist
Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    November 6th, 2026
  • Starting
    September 2027
  • Hiring Multiple Candidates
    Yes
  • Salary
    Competitive + benefits
  • Location
    Oxford (Hybrid)
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