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A building engineer, also known as a facilities engineer or building maintenance engineer, is a professional responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and safety of buildings and facilities. Their primary focus is on ensuring that buildings and their systems function efficiently and effectively. Building engineers play a critical role in the efficient operation and maintenance of buildings, ensuring that they remain safe, functional, and comfortable for occupants. Their skills in technical troubleshooting, maintenance management, and compliance are essential for effective building management.

Job Tasks

Building engineers play a crucial role in the operation and maintenance of various types of buildings, ensuring they run efficiently and safely. Here are some common tasks typically performed by building engineers:

1. Maintenance and Repairs: Building engineers are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining various systems within a building, including HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
2. Troubleshooting: When issues arise with building systems or equipment, building engineers troubleshoot to identify the root cause of the problem and implement solutions to resolve it.
3. Safety Compliance: Building engineers ensure that buildings comply with safety codes and regulations. They may conduct safety inspections, implement safety protocols, and address any safety hazards or concerns.
4. Energy Efficiency: Building engineers often focus on improving energy efficiency and reducing utility costs. They may implement energy-saving measures, such as installing energy-efficient lighting or optimizing HVAC systems.
5. Vendor Management: Building engineers may oversee contracts with external vendors, such as maintenance contractors or equipment suppliers. They coordinate services and ensure that work is completed satisfactorily and within budget.
6. Tenant Relations: In buildings with tenants or occupants, building engineers may interact with tenants to address maintenance requests, resolve issues, and ensure tenant satisfaction.

Program Structure

This two-semester apprenticeship combines classroom learning with hands-on employment. Apprentices complete courses toward the Building Controls Technology Certificate while gaining real-world experience through on-the-job training with a partnering employer.

Recommended Course Sequence (Full-Time)

Year 1 - Fall 

MAT 1150 - Technical Mathematics 
AEC 1520 - Construction Materials and Systems 
ELT 1206 - Fundamentals of DC/AC 
AEC 2520 - Building Environmental Systems I 

Year 1 - Spring
ELT 2254 - Industrial Wiring 
ELT 2252 - Motors & Controls 
HVA 2059 - Commercial HVAC System Design 
ENG 1031 - Technical Writing I: GT-CO1

Recommended Course Sequence (Part-Time)

Year 1 - Fall 

MAT 1150 - Technical Mathematics 
ELT 1206 - Fundamentals of DC/AC 

Year 1 - Spring 

AEC 1520 - Construction Materials and Systems 
AEC 2520 - Building Environmental Systems I 

Year 2 - Fall 

ELT 2254 - Industrial Wiring 

Year 2 - Spring 

ELT 2252 - Motors & Controls 
HVA 2059 - Commercial HVAC System Design 
ENG 1031 - Technical Writing I: GT-CO1 Notes

• * This course requires college level readiness as measured by Accuplacer, ACT, or SAT scores; approved high school course work that is less than five years old; or successful completion of the appropriate college-readiness course.
• Course availability is subject to change.
• Refer to the catalog for specific requirements and important information about this degree.
• To meet program requirements, students registered for ENG 1031 must also register for ENG 0094 unless they can demonstrate otherwise meeting the ENG 0094 standard through assessment testing, prior college coursework, or recent high school coursework. See an Advisor for details.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility Requirements 

• High school diploma or GED 
• 17 years old and older 
• Valid driver’s license 
• Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Records (Must meet requirement upon hire and maintain through employment) 
• Successfully meet/pass these checkpoints: 
  • Drug test 
  • Background check 
  • Motor Vehicle Record screen 

Application and Admission Process 

To be eligible to participate in this program, a student must: 

• Attend an interview with a participating employer.
• Be hired for employment as an apprentice with one of the participating employers.
• Submit the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Admissions Application and complete any further requested documentation. 
• Attend an apprenticeship orientation and complete required assessments. 

Program Cost & Financial Assistance

The cost of this apprenticeship program is approximately $5,000 (with COF), as tuition is adjusted each academic year. See  Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s Tuition and Fees to learn more.

• The cost of the program is the responsibility of the student.
• Some participating employers may provide financial assistance to the students for tuition. 
• Students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid to cover the credit courses.
• The student will be a paid employee of the participating employer. 

Next Steps