2026 Building Services Design Engineer - Degree Apprentice - Cambridge

Are you an aspiring engineer looking to make a difference to the world around you? Do you want the chance to grow, learn, and be supported by industry leaders? This ever-changing world will be shaped by the buildings put into it; and we know it’s often the newest minds who have the brightest ideas. These days, engineering is a lot more than pipes and wires; we look at the building as a whole and are involved in every stage, from initial client discussions right through to construction and even the building’s ongoing performance. We collaborate with colleagues, architects, and other construction professionals, playing a critical role in every building’s design.

As a Building Services Engineer 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’ll learn to:

• Work on live projects
• Produce detailed designs and drawings
• Use the latest computer modelling software
• Undertake site surveys
• Research ground-breaking technologies
• Have regular meetings with project teams, clients or end users
• Prepare engineering system designs on computers
• Write specifications
• Monitor progress on construction sites

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

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, able to experience innovative schemes across all sectors. You’ll advance your career, your way, thanks to our structured Career Paths framework. We are an award-winning engineering consultancy with a creative team of engineers, designers, and technical specialists. We provide innovative solutions to complex engineering and design challenges for buildings.

At Hoare Lea you feel part of a family. We ensure you receive the best training and development in the industry, in order to set you up for a bright future. We also know that it’s not until you experience working in a certain specialism or field that you know whether it’s for you. So, we make sure all our apprentices get experience working on different projects, that way you can discover what suits you.

Joining our firm 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.

Training: Apprenticeship - Building services engineer / Skills England. Provider – TBC. 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.

What do you need?

• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Two A levels at Grades A*-C including Mathematics and Physical Science, or their equivalent.
• Or a Level 3 Apprenticeship as a Building Services Design Technician.
• Genuine interest in developing a career within the sector.

How to apply? Visit our careers page to apply for our Apprenticeships programmes. You will be asked to upload your CV. Please only apply for one location; 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.

Recruitment Timeline:

• Applications close – March 2026
• Telephone Interviews – March/April 2026
• Selection Event – April/May 2026
• Start Date – August/September 2026

Diversity, equity and inclusion: We are committed to being a place where underrepresented individuals and communities are not just included, but where marginalised knowledge and experience is valued, amplified, and harnessed. So, we strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including women, people of the Global Majority, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, neurodivergent people, and those from all other underrepresented or marginalised groups.

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.

Data privacy: We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates.