Estimators work out how much it is going to cost to supply products and services to their clients. If you’ve a good head for facts and figures, like being part of a team and want a varied job, this might be a career to suit you. To do this job well, you’ll need excellent maths and IT skills, the ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and an organised approach.

You can become a junior estimator and work your way up if you have a good general standard of education. Another option is to take a college or university course which covers some of the skills needed to do the job, then apply for work afterwards.

As an estimator or cost engineer, your job would be to work out how much it costs to supply products or services to a client. Normally working for a manufacturing, engineering or construction company, you could produce estimates for a wide range of products or services. Part of your job would be to research and assess information from a variety of sources in order to prepare accurate estimates. Other duties include:

• finding out what the client wants
• researching materials, equipment and labour costs
• collecting 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.

Key skills:

• excellent maths and IT skills
• good problem-solving skills
• the ability to pay close attention to detail
• excellent communication and presentation skills
• project management skills
• business 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 the ability to meet deadlines
• an awareness of regulations, price trends and exchange rates.

Average salary (2014):

United Kingdom: Starting salaries can be between £18,000 and £22,000 a year.

Qualifications and training required:

You would normally move into estimating work after gaining some experience within the same industry as an administrator, craftsperson, technician or surveying assistant. A good general standard of education will be helpful, for example GCSEs or A levels. Another option is to study for an HNC, HND or degree before looking for work.

You may be able to start your career 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.

Source: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk