Estimator: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Estimator
Practice Interviews Online - Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Estimator mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now »What is a Estimator?
As an estimator, your job would be to calculate the total cost of a construction project including elements like materials, labour, and time. You would use these calculations to help companies determine a project's scope and feasibility, set budgets and make bids for tenders.
Skills
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills for accurate cost estimation
- Knowledge of construction materials, methods, and regulations
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills to liaise with clients, suppliers, and contractors
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
- Proficiency in using construction estimating software and tools
- Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Understanding of health and safety regulations and risk assessment
- Ability to work collaboratively with other professionals in the construction industry
- Commercial awareness and ability to identify cost-saving opportunities
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills
- Proficiency in cost estimation software and tools
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to interpret and analyze technical drawings and specifications
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Knowledge of construction materials and methods
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Knowledge of industry regulations and standards
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Qualifications & Education
- Professional training and membership of an appropriate professional organisation is required for entry into the field of Cost Estimators in the UK
- To be eligible for professional examinations, candidates must have GCSEs/S grades and A levels/H grades, a BTEC/SQA award, a degree or equivalent qualification
- Candidates typically undergo a period of probationary training and professional assessment
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, being an estimator can be a good career choice in the UK. It is a well-paying job in the construction industry and is expected to have good job security and growth opportunities. The role involves gathering and analyzing data to estimate the resources needed for a project.
Yes, estimating is a good career choice in the UK as there is a positive job outlook with a projected 9% growth rate and new job openings expected by 2028.
Yes, being an estimator can be a stressful job due to the pressure of juggling multiple teams and avoiding mistakes in estimates.
The career path for an estimator typically involves obtaining a bachelor's degree in a related field such as mathematics, civil engineering, or construction science. After gaining experience in the field, estimators may advance to higher-level positions such as senior estimator or project manager. It is important to research the level of education generally required for estimator positions in your area and obtain that level of education to increase job opportunities.
There are no specific qualifications required to become an estimator in the UK. However, having strong maths skills, being highly organised, having the ability to analyse data, critical thinking skills, being detail-oriented, having good communication skills, technical abilities, and excellent time management are important skills to have in this role.
To become an estimator in the UK, you typically need a university degree or a higher national diploma in a related field such as civil engineering, construction management, or quantity surveying. These programs usually include coursework in contract tendering and estimating costs.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Estimator mock interview, under 10 minutes
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