Apprentice Building Services Design Engineer

Tetra Tech; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technical consultancy in the UK is seeking an Apprentice Building Services Design Engineer. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on groundbreaking engineering solutions while studying for a fully funded degree. The ideal candidate will have strong academic qualifications, including A levels in Mathematics and Physical Science, and a keen interest in design. Successful candidates will work across various sectors, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and support from seasoned professionals as they embark on their engineering careers.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three A levels at Grades A*-B including Mathematics and Physical Science.
• Completed Level 3 Extended Diploma as a Building Services Design Technician.
• Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 9-6 including English Language and Maths.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical or Electrical Engineering designs.
• Assist in design reviews and verification checks.
• Assist in the contract administration of projects.
• Support in the delivery of diverse projects.

Skills

Mathematics

Physical Science

Computer Literacy

Self-motivated

Education

A levels at Grades A*-B

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Building Services Design

5 GCSEs grade 9-6

Job description

Apprentice Building Services Design Engineer

Are you looking for an exciting, interesting career role where you can help make a difference for the future.
Tetra Tech is a leading technical, engineering, and environmental consultancy. We provide data-driven, market-leading water, environment, infrastructure, energy, and international development solutions to clients in the UK and Europe.

We deliver locally and we’re backed globally. In the UK and Europe, Tetra Tech has more than 6,000 employees and more than 50 offices. Our unique organisational structure enables us to be nimble and respond with the agility of a small business, backed by international resources and capabilities from across the world.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do! They help our clients succeed, our business prosper and the communities we work in thrive. We need the very best people to maintain our position as a market leader and so provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.

In an apprentice role you will work on exciting, ground‑breaking projects from day one, with support to grow in your chosen discipline as well as training to develop the core skills needed to succeed in a professional organisation. Our early careers programme gives you the chance to connect with others across the region / business who are also starting their career, as well as mentoring, Chartership suppors and more.

Role Title: Apprentice Building Services Design Engineer
Start Date: September 2026
Location: Manchester, Leeds or Edinburgh

Job Description

Turning the shell of a building into a fit‑for‑purpose environment requires wide‑ranging mechanical and electrical engineering solutions that actively enhance the operation, comfort and safety of a building, such as ventilation, lighting, heating, and security systems.

At Tetra Tech, we design and manage the installation of the building services engineering solutions to some of the most complex buildings in the country. Having supported many new build and refurbishment projects, we hold a track record of creating buildings where structure and engineering systems coexist harmoniously. We tailor these buildings to our clients’ bespoke needs, which include meeting strict sustainability and Net Zero Carbon requirements.

We have opportunities in our Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh offices for Apprentice Mechanical & Electrical Building Services Engineers. You will join an established team of experienced engineers working on a range of building types across all business sectors including life sciences, defence, commercial, education, industrial, residential, leisure, healthcare and retail, within both public and private domains.

Our current portfolio includes a number of key projects including laboratories, major government clients, universities, workplace solutions and decarbonisation portfolios. The role will require you to integrate into local teams and to work with colleagues in other offices as project demands dictate.

This position will include day release to complete a fully funded professionally accredited BSc or BEng building services degree which is accredited by the relevant professional engineering institution.

This position offers an exciting opportunity where you can gain invaluable 'hands' on experience whilst gaining a degree.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical or Electrical Engineering designs
• Assist in design reviews and verification checks
• Assist in the contract administration of projects
• Support in the delivery of diverse projects
• Provide technical assistance to the members of the M&E Engineering team
• Liaise with clients, architects, contractors and stakeholders

The Programme

• The typical duration for this apprenticeship is 60 - 66 months but this will depend on previous experience
• Successful apprentices will gain a BSc or BEng building services degree

Qualification/skills

• A minimum of three A levels at Grades A*-B including Mathematics and Physical Science or their equivalent
• or have completed a Level 3 Extended Diploma as a Building Services Design Technician
• A minimum of 5 GCSE’s grade 9-6 (A-C) or above including English Language and Maths
• An interest in Design
• Computer Literate
• Self – motivated
• Desirable - Full, clean UK driving license and ideally access to a vehicle
• Suitability for Security Clearance

Application Closing Date: 15 February 2026

Assessment Centre to be held: April 2026

We take pride in delivering projects effectively for clients. This often requires colleagues to be together- in offices or on site – to ensure the best outcomes. However, when possible, we also advocate for flexibility around how, when, and where you work. There is no 'one approach fits all' – each team manages their own way of working, we trust our employees and focus on outputs not inputs.
Meeting up with colleague and clients face to face in office environments or on site is important for collaboration, face-to-face meetings, appraisals and development.