Estimator
What is the work like?
As an estimator or cost engineer, you would work out how much it costs to supply products or services to a client. You would normally work for a manufacturing, engineering or construction company.
Part of your job would be to research and assess details from a variety of sources in order to prepare accurate estimates. Some of your main duties could include:
- finding out what the client wants
- researching materials, equipment and labour costs
- gathering quotes from materials suppliers and sub-contractors
- planning job timescales
- assessing the levels of risk on a project
- analysing company data, exchange rates and prices, using software packages
- preparing and submitting quotations for work
- helping with bids for new contracts and supporting buying activities
- monitoring the stages of a project to make sure that costs are kept in line with forecasts.
In a larger company, you might work as part of a team and have responsibility for one area such as labour or materials. You would work closely with other professionals including construction managers, engineers and buyers.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would normally move into estimating work after gaining some experience within the same industry as an administrator, craftsperson, technician or surveying assistant.
You could study for a BTEC HNC, HND or degree in a subject area related to your job, for instance structural engineering, civil engineering or construction. Courses at this level include units covering contract tendering, estimating and buying. To search for colleges and universities offering these courses see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You may also be able to start in this job on an Apprenticeship scheme with a building or engineering firm and work your way up. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
See SEMTA and ConstructionSkills for information about estimating in engineering or construction.
What further training and development can I do?
You would normally receive on-the-job training once you are working as an estimator. You could also study for work-based qualifications, including:
- NVQ in Project Control levels 3 and 4
- NVQ in Construction Contracting Operations levels 3 and 4
- Certificate and Diploma in Site Management Level 4.
These awards include units covering risk analysis, estimating, preparing cost budgets, organising resources, and contract and legal work.
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board has details of the Project Control qualification on their website.
If you have an NVQ and several years’ experience, you could apply for membership of the Association of Cost Engineers (ACostE). You can find membership information on the AcostE website together with details of private training providers, offering a wide range of professional development courses.
Where can I go for more information?
Lea House5 Middlewich Road
Sandbach
Cheshire
CW11 1XL
Church Lane
Kings Langley
Hertfordshire
WD4 8JP
Tel: 01923 260000
NASEC Administration: 01923 402155
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Assistant estimators can earn between £16,500 and £19,500.
- With experience and qualifications, this can rise to between £20,000 and £30,000.
- Estimators with at least 5 to 10 years' experience and managerial responsibilities can earn up to £40,000 a year.
Salary packages may include a company car and other job-related benefits.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work between 37 and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may have to work overtime to meet tight deadlines.
Your job would be mainly office-based, with some travel to meet clients on engineering or construction sites. On these occasions, you would normally wear protective safety clothing.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent maths and IT skills
- good problem-solving skills
- the ability to pay close attention to detail
- excellent communication and presentation skills
- the ability to manage projects
- commercial awareness
- an understanding of the importance of data confidentiality
- the ability to work on your own and as part of a team
- an organised approach to work and ability to meet deadlines
- an awareness of external factors such as regulations, price trends and exchange rates.
Where appropriate, you will need an understanding of engineering or architectural drawings and principles, as well as a detailed knowledge of manufacturing or construction processes and costs.
What opportunities are there?
Your prospects as an estimator are good as jobs are available in many industries, including light and heavy engineering, processing, power, transport and construction.
With the training and experience, you could progress to project team leader then estimating department manager. Promotion may also be possible to more senior roles, such as incorporated or chartered cost engineer. In a larger firm, you may have the option to work on overseas contracts.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
Engineering Jobs
JustEngineers.net
Construction Jobs Network
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