Course Summary
A building services design technician provides assistance to engineers and other construction professionals in the development of cost effective technical and sustainable design solutions involving the production of three dimensional models, calculations, specifications, reports and drawings taking into account, where appropriate, pre-fabrication techniques. Their work typically includes systems such as renewable technologies, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, drainage, lighting, power, controls and lifts. Buildings and infrastructure take on many forms from newly built facilities to the refurbishment of premises for every sector of industry. As design technicians they could be working under supervision in a design consultancy, a contractor or a manufacturing company
A design technician's work could also involve:
•Analysis – using appropriate software and simulation systems to solve technical problems.
•Project delivery – contributing to planning, managing work schedules, budgets and deadlines working as a member of a team
•Site engineering - operating quality systems and Health, Safety and Risk Management procedures, progress monitoring, see that installations generally comply with the design intent, responding to site queries, commissioning and post occupancy evaluations
A Building Services Design Technician will be able to:
1. Select and use appropriate scientific, technical and engineering principles, techniques and methods to contribute to the design and delivery of building engineering services projects. Ability to produce and self-check; calculations, models and drawings; use appropriate software systems and other tools for data gathering, CAD, BIM, Revit, project management; and assist with site surveys and inspection
2. Work with others to contribute to produce integrated engineering solutions by the correct use of resources and time. This includes the ability to contribute to developing and evolving solutions to engineering problems whilst working to programme and within budge
3. Manage and maintain the quality of their work and that of others. Assess the task to be done, plan/schedule work and manage time; decide when to allocate work to other people; maintain the flow of information; follow technical procedures, check work at an appropriate level and against appropriate standards and specification Keep well organised personal records of work undertaken
4. Communicate effectively and appropriately with others using a range of techniques
including verbal communication, written reports, models and drawings.
5. Keep themselves and others safe by adhering to safe working practices. Ability to identify hazards and assess risks, follow safe systems of work and adhere to all company safety policie
6. Maintain their skills base and learning. Ability to assess their own competence against training objectives and identify development needs and training action plans.
Course Content
A Building Services Design Technician will know
1. The different techniques and methods used to design building engineering services projects. This includes an understanding of how technologies, components and requirements are converted into building engineering systems designs including use of relevant standard
Behaviours
•Take a responsible approach to health and safety
•Be professional, proactive and receptive to constructive advice and guidance
•Be willing to learn new skills and to adapt in the light of experience
•Know one’s limitations and when to ask for help or escalate
•Work independently when appropriate and take responsibility for and pride in their work
•Demonstrate a positive approach to problem solving
•Show an ability to contribute to discussions as part of a team
2. The appropriate scientific, technical and engineering principles relating to the design of building engineering services projects. This includes an understanding of the mathematical, scientific and engineering techniques required to support the design and construction processes
3. How to work effectively and contribute to engineering solutions by the correct use of resources and time. This includes an understanding of project management systems, tools and techniques as they are applied to the design and construction process
4. How to communicate effectively using a range of techniques. This includes an understanding of different communication methods and when to use them; how to write technical reports, technical drawing conventions and engineering terminology; collaboration and effective team working.
5. The code of conduct of relevant professional bodies and institutions including ethics and their application in design and delivery of projects. Understanding of the protection of client confidentiality, the need to adhere to corporate and institutional policies on ethics and diversity and the professional obligation to make a contribution to society
6. Safe working practices and how to comply with the Understanding of regulations such as Construction, Design and Management (CDM), hazard identification, and risk mitigation.
7. Sustainable development and their own contribution to economic, environmental and social wellbe Understanding of legislative, company and client sustainability and environmental policies and their effect on the design and construction of buildings.
8. Sources of and approaches to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Understanding of appraisal schemes, CPD obligations and competency requirements relating to self and others.
Course Assessment
The end point assessment will be in two stages and undertaken in the last two months of the apprenticeship: -
STAGE 1
A project which will test the apprentice’s ability to integrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours acquired during the apprenticeship by developing a response to a technical project brief set by the Professional Engineering Institution, with a number of options and a rationale for the choice of one as the optimum solution.
A written report submitted to the Assessor Panel demonstrating the knowledge and experience gained in the apprenticeship has been integrated to deliver required outputs and the attainment of the pre-defined Engineering Council UKSPEC competencies for an Engineering Technician The report will be used to inform the structured interview
STAGE 2
A 10 minute presentation by the apprentice to the Assessor Panel showcasing their response to the project brief. This will be followed by 10-15 minutes of questions and discussion.
A 30-40 minute structured interview based on the written report submitted prior to the interview the purpose being to determine the apprentice’s ability to integrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours acquired during the apprenticeship
To be successful the apprentice must pass the Presentation and the Structured Interview. The assessment will satisfy the requirements for registration as an Engineering Technician by the Engineering Council. The Assessor Panel will consist of two experienced, qualified and trained Building Services Engineers nominated by the relevant Professional Engineering Institution. Benchmarking the End Point Assessment against the Engineering Council UKSPEC requirements for EngTech means that the assessment outcomes will be consistent and reliable, allowing a fair and proper comparison between apprentices employed across the UK in different types and sizes of organisations.
Employer Benefits
The employer will benefit from:
•Take a responsible approach to health and safety
•Be professional, proactive and receptive to constructive advice and guidance
•Be willing to learn new skills and to adapt in the light of experience
•Know one’s limitations and when to ask for help or escalate
•Work independently when appropriate and take responsibility for and pride in their work
•Demonstrate a positive approach to problem solving
•Show an ability to contribute to discussions as part of a team
Qualifications
Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (Building Services Engineering)
Progression
Higher Apprenticeship in Construction - Building Serivices Sustainability site Supervision Pathway
Entry Requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements, but apprenticeship candidates will typically have at least 5 GCSEs at Grades A*-C including Maths (Grade B), English and Science or their equivalent.
Employers who recruit candidates without English or Maths at Grade C or above must ensure that the candidate achieves a level 2 equivalent standard prior to taking the end point assessment.
