Building Controls Engineer Apprentice Review
at Adi Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Computer Systems Engineering, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering
West Midlands
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
In building controls (BMS/BEMS – Building Management/Energy Management Systems), a controls engineer focuses on automating and optimising things like HVAC, lighting, and energy use in buildings (offices, hospitals, schools, etc.).
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my apprenticeship as it gives me a change of scenery every day, exposing me to a wide range of sectors across the engineering industry. It’s helping me continuously develop my teamwork, hands-on, and software skills, while ensuring I receive valuable, ongoing training. All of this is allowing me to build a strong foundation and confidently progress toward a successful career in the BMS industry.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Through my apprenticeship, I have developed a wide range of valuable skills. These include strong teamwork and communication, gained from working alongside engineers and other trades on-site. I have improved my hands-on practical skills, such as wiring, installing, and testing control systems, as well as my problem-solving ability when diagnosing faults.
In addition, I have built my technical knowledge by learning how to work with BMS software, interpret electrical drawings, and understand how HVAC systems operate. I have also developed better time management and adaptability, as each day brings different tasks, environments, and challenges. Overall, these skills are helping me grow into a well-rounded controls engineer.
In addition, I have built my technical knowledge by learning how to work with BMS software, interpret electrical drawings, and understand how HVAC systems operate. I have also developed better time management and adaptability, as each day brings different tasks, environments, and challenges. Overall, these skills are helping me grow into a well-rounded controls engineer.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is well organised and structured, with a good balance between on-site experience and formal training. I’m able to apply what I learn in training directly to real projects, which helps reinforce my understanding. The variety of work is planned in a way that gradually builds my skills, from basic tasks to more complex responsibilities.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There is consistent support from experienced engineers, and clear guidance on what I need to achieve at each stage of the apprenticeship. This structure has helped me stay on track, develop confidence, and continuously improve my technical and practical abilities.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualifications. They provide clear guidance on assignments and coursework, and are always available to help if I’m unsure on any topics. Regular check-ins and progress reviews help keep me on track and ensure I’m meeting the required standards.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my qualification supports my role well, as it provides the underlying knowledge needed to understand the systems I work on day to day. It helps me make more sense of what I’m doing on-site, rather than just following instructions, which improves my confidence and ability to contribute.
The theory I learn through my training provider links closely to practical tasks such as commissioning, fault finding, and understanding control strategies. This allows me to perform my role more effectively and develop my skills at a faster pace. Overall, it has been valuable in helping me become more competent and independent in my work.
The theory I learn through my training provider links closely to practical tasks such as commissioning, fault finding, and understanding control strategies. This allows me to perform my role more effectively and develop my skills at a faster pace. Overall, it has been valuable in helping me become more competent and independent in my work.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities at work, including social events and occasional team-building activities. These provide a good chance to get to know colleagues outside of the work environment and build stronger working relationships.
There are opportunities to get involved in charity work through my employer, which is something I really value. These activities allow me to contribute to causes outside of work, while also building teamwork and a sense of community with colleagues. Participating in charity events helps me develop personally, while supporting others and strengthening the company’s positive impact.
There are opportunities to get involved in charity work through my employer, which is something I really value. These activities allow me to contribute to causes outside of work, while also building teamwork and a sense of community with colleagues. Participating in charity events helps me develop personally, while supporting others and strengthening the company’s positive impact.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Adi Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend adi Group to a friend. The company is a well‑established, multi‑discipline engineering firm with a strong reputation across a range of sectors, including building systems and automation, which shows there’s real opportunity to grow within the business.
They invest in apprenticeships and have a structured academy that supports skill development from day one, combining hands‑on experience with formal training. This approach helps you build practical and theoretical skills that are valuable in the industry.
They invest in apprenticeships and have a structured academy that supports skill development from day one, combining hands‑on experience with formal training. This approach helps you build practical and theoretical skills that are valuable in the industry.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Adi Group?
If you’re applying to Adi Group, my advice would be to show enthusiasm for engineering and a willingness to learn. Be prepared to talk about any hands-on experience you have, even small projects, and demonstrate your interest in building systems or controls. Make sure you highlight teamwork, problem-solving skills, and a positive attitude. Finally, be confident and curious — ask questions about the company and the apprenticeship, as it shows you’re eager to develop your skills and grow within the business.
