At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to develop your Mechanical engineering skills in building services design and project management.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a difference with core values of respect and collaboration.
- Benefits: Structured Graduate programme, support for Chartered Membership, and diverse project experience.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Make an impact on exciting projects, from refurbishments to iconic buildings like the Spinnaker Tower.
- Qualifications: Accredited degree in mechanical engineering and a passion for building services.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Graduate Building Services Engineer (Mechanical) to join our Building Engineering services Projects team! If you are looking to develop your Mechanical engineering skills in building services design and project management then this could be the role for you!
Any relevant building services electrical work experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
What can we offer?
We are fully committed to helping you develop and gain Chartered Membership of the CIBSE or IET by providing an excellent structured Graduate programme to help you become a professionally qualified Building Engineering services Engineer. We can offer a broad range of experience across our vast buildings portfolio and some external clients. Projects range from refurbishments through to new build projects. Our properties include over 18000 residential properties, 800 corporate assets, commercial office buildings, leisure and educational facilities, as well as unique and historical buildings such as the Spinnaker Tower and Portsmouth Guildhall.
Who is the person?
- Have an accredited undergraduate degree or an accredited Post‑Graduate Diploma or Masters in mechanical engineering.
- Have a passion for Buildings and engineering and be keen to develop a career in Building Engineering Services.
- Be able to seek out relevant knowledge, learn quickly and have an excellent work ethic to ensure objectives are met.
- Be an excellent communicator, not afraid to ask questions when necessary and be able to work well in a team environment.
- Be extremely organised and display excellent attention to detail.
- Have basic CAD skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft packages.
- Either have a full driving licence and provide a car for work or have a commitment to learn to drive, as you will be visiting various sites across Portsmouth and will need to be able to travel effectively between them.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people‑focused.
Additional Information
If you have any questions, or would like an informal discussion about the role, please call Harvey Bevan on 07961 476592 or email harvey.bevan@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. Assessment day and interviews are expected to be held w/c 3rd August 2026.
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants page. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the "Who is the Person" points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work or personal experience, which clearly illustrate what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage. Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800. If you need additional support looking for roles, you may be eligible for help under our Connect to Work programme, for more information please visit Connect to Work.
Graduate Building Services Engineer (Mechanical) in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering the growth of its employees through a structured Graduate programme aimed at achieving Chartered Membership of the CIBSE or IET. With a diverse portfolio of projects, including historical landmarks and modern facilities, the work culture promotes collaboration, inclusivity, and respect, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported in their professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Building Services Engineer (Mechanical) in Portsmouth
✨Connect with Industry Communities
Get involved with engineering forums and social media groups focused on building systems and supply engineering. Platforms like LinkedIn and Reddit can be goldmines for connecting with other professionals and finding out about entry-level openings before they're widely advertised.
✨Attend Local Engineering Events
Keep an eye out for local engineering fairs and networking events in your area. These gatherings are perfect for meeting potential employers and industry insiders who can give you a leg up on the competition for roles at companies like Portsmouth City Council.
✨Leverage Your University’s Resources
If you’re fresh out of university or still studying, tap into your career services. They often have partnerships with companies, including internships and entry-level positions in building systems. Plus, you’ll get access to exclusive job fairs and recruitment events.
✨Showcase Relevant Projects
Even if you’re just starting out, create a portfolio that showcases any relevant projects or coursework. Include anything related to building systems, as this will give Portsmouth City Council a clear picture of your capabilities. Don't hesitate to link to this portfolio in your applications or during networking conversations!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Building Services Engineer (Mechanical) in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When you're applying for an entry-level position in building systems supply engineering, make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework or technical skills. If you've worked with CAD software or have a basic understanding of building systems, throw that in there! It's all about proving that you've got the foundational knowledge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Portsmouth City Council:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're specifically interested in working with Portsmouth City Council. Maybe they've got a project you've read about that excites you, or their values really resonate with you. Let them know how your passion for the field aligns with what they do!
Include Relevant Projects or Experiences:Even if you’ve not had any formal work experience, think about school projects, internships, or even personal projects that relate to building systems. Adding these to your CV can demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills, giving you the edge over other candidates.
Proofread, but Make It Specific:While we're all about making sure everything's polished, focus on technical language that resonates within the industry. Double-check that your CV uses the right jargon for building systems supply engineering – it shows that you know the field and are comfortable with its terminology. And as always, apply through our website for the best chances!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For an entry-level role in building systems supply engineering, you'll want to showcase your understanding of the key concepts that underpin the industry. Be ready to discuss basic engineering principles and relevant systems like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing; you might even face some straightforward technical questions during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Practical Skills
Even though you’re entering the workforce, pick a project from your studies or any internships that you can talk about confidently. Highlight your hands-on experience with any tools or software related to building systems, like AutoCAD or Revit. This gives us at Portsmouth City Council a peek into your capabilities beyond just theory.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Expect to engage in problem-solving discussions, possibly tackling real engineering challenges like efficiency improvements or system integration. Have a couple of examples ready of how you approached similar problems during your studies or projects — detailing your thought process is key!
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Learning
At this entry-level stage, what you lack in experience, you can make up for with eagerness and a willingness to grow. Share your long-term career goals and what excites you about building systems supply engineering. This will resonate with interviewers at Portsmouth City Council as they look for candidates keen on development!