Building Engineer Apprenticeship

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 apprenticeship is an 18-month program developed in partnership with Denver Metro Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). Apprentices take nine courses, both online and in the classroom to supplement the on-the-job learning.

This program is offered with both credit-bearing and non-credit coursework which requires general education credits. Students who are hired by a participating automotive company and accepted into the apprenticeship program at ACC will enroll in: 

Summer

• MAT 1150 Technical Mathematics - Online 

• AEC 1520 Construction Materials and Systems - Remote Real Time 

Fall

• ELT 1206 Fundamentals of DC/AC circuits – On Campus

• AEC 2520 Building Environmental Systems I - Remote Real Time 

• ACC 1039 Budget Management - Competency Based, Online 

Spring

• ELT 2254 Industrial Wiring - On Campus

• ELT 2252 Motors and Controls - On Campus 

Summer 2024, May 28 – August 5 

• HVA 2059 Commercial HVAC System Design - On Campus 

• ENG 1031 Technical Writing - Online 

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 ACC 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  ACC’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. 

Participating Employers

The following healthcare organizations are currently participating in this apprenticeship program with ACC: 

Next Steps

1. Submit an Interest Form

2. Attend a virtual info session