Smart Building Controls Engineer - Higher Apprenticeship

Salary: £28,366 + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing.  Salary upon finishing the Apprentice programme is circa £38,000 per annum

Locations:  Altrincham, Chepstow, Egham, Leeds, Gateshead, Birmingham, Glasgow

Working Pattern: 3 year Fixed-Term | 40 hours Full Time - field-based

Start date: August/ September 2026

Build the smart, sustainable buildings of tomorrow

Modern buildings are becoming smarter, more connected, and far more energy efficient - and BEMS (Building Energy Management Systems) are at the heart of that transformation. This apprenticeship is your pathway into a future focused engineering career where technology, sustainability, and problem solving come together.

As a BEMS Controls Engineer, you’ll help design, develop, and maintain the intelligent automated systems that manage everything from heating and ventilation to lighting and energy optimisation. You’ll play a hands on role in making buildings run more efficiently, more comfortably, and with a lower environmental footprint. Part of your learning will take place on live customer sites, giving you the opportunity to experience different buildings, teams, and technologies first hand. 

What this programme offers

Across three years, you’ll gradually build your technical capability, confidence, and professional experience. You won’t just learn about smart building technology - you’ll work with it, apply it, and see the impact first‑hand.

During your apprenticeship, you will learn how to:

• Engineer smart automation systems
• Develop software and digital controls
• Connect systems and become competent in networks
• Create intuitive user interfaces
• See the full project lifecycle, supporting projects from the initial concept stage right through to customer handover
• Work with suppliers to select the right technology from the outset

By the end of the programme, you’ll be ready to step into a professional role shaping the next generation of smart, energy efficient buildings.

What we’re looking for

Our priority is your potential and attitude. We’re looking someone who is naturally curious, enjoys practical problem‑solving, and is motivated by technology’s role in building a low‑carbon future. We would love you to have:

• A genuine interest in technology, automation, and how different building systems interact
• Enjoyment of practical, hands‑on problem‑solving in real‑world environments
• Logical thinking and strong attention to detail when working with equipment, data, or system settings
• Confidence using digital tools and a willingness to learn new software and control technologies
• A commitment to safety, following procedures, and doing things the right way every time

You must be 18 or older when the programme starts (August/ September 2026). It would be beneficial, but not essential, if you have some experience or training in electrical installation/engineering background e.g. some hands-on experience working as an electrician’s mate.

About Us

At SSE Energy Solutions, we're at the forefront of cutting-edge Building Energy Management Systems and Smart technology. We're not just a company; we're a movement towards smarter, more efficient, and sustainable buildings. Our team is comprised of industry experts, committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of building automation.

We design, install, monitor, maintain and optimise Smart Building control systems. Our business helps achieve optimised working environments leading to reductions in buildings’ energy consumption through the installation and maintenance of a variety of building control technologies, including Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), and the application of data analytics to provide building performance insights.

What's in it for you?

We offer an excellent package with 34 days annual leave entitlement. Enhanced maternity/paternity leave, discounted healthcare, salary sacrifice car leasing and much more, view our full benefits package on our careers site.

As an equal opportunity employer we encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments you need during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. Search for 'Inclusion & Diversity at SSE' to find out more.

What happens next?

All applications should be submitted online. 

We ask you to complete only one application during the apprentice and trainee recruitment cycle. If we feel there is a more suitable programme for you, we’ll let you know during the application process.

If you would like to discuss any working differently requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact apprenticesandtrainees@sse.com by email or you are very welcome to request a call if you would prefer to discuss on the phone.

Please note that SSE are unable to sponsor any candidates for our apprentice, trainee engineer and summer placement opportunities as these roles would not meet the Home Office eligibility criteria for sponsorship.

As a courtesy, please let your current line manager know you are applying.

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