Estimator
The Work
Estimators work for manufacturing, engineering, construction or service
companies. They work on the preparation, processing and submission
of tenders for contracts by calculating the costs involved in supplying
a product or service to the client's technical specifications.
When making estimates they take into account factors such as material costs, cost of operating or hiring plant or specialist equipment, transport costs, labour and other overheads such as rent, administration, electricity and other services. Estimators also have to build into their bids risk identification, projected timescales and allowances to cover contingencies.
In putting bids together, data is gathered from internal company records, stock figures, price indices, industry journals, quotations from suppliers and sub-contractors, and transport and hire companies. Estimators may specialise in one area such as time, labour or transport, and on large projects a team of estimators may be involved.
Estimators work closely with other professionals including quantity surveyors, buyers, construction managers and planning engineers.
Hours and Conditions
Estimators work between 37 and 40 hours, Monday to Friday. However, overtime may be required when working to tight deadlines.
The work is usually office-based but estimators working in construction or engineering may be required to work on-site. In these situations protective clothing may be needed.
Travel to clients' premises is often required, so a driving licence would be helpful.
Skills and Interests
To work as an estimator you should have:
Training
Training will normally carried out on the job. Working as an estimator,
you can study on a part-time basis to enhance your existing qualifications.
For instance, studying for a BTEC HND or degree if you already hold
a HNC.
You can also work towards the NVQ / SVQ in Project Control at Level 4.
Mandatory NVQ / SVQ units cover several areas including: Developing Objectives and Specifying Functions for Project Control; Analysing Project Risks and Managing Contingencies; Providing Support to Contract and Procurement Activities; and Assessing, Evaluating and Estimating Financial Resources.
Depending on role and responsibilities, there are other options on cost engineering and planning.
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has details of the NVQ / SVQ structure on their website. See below for details.
The NVQ / SVQ together with several years’ relevant experience can lead to membership of the Association of Cost Engineers (ACostE). For details of membership grades, contact the AcostE below.
Opportunities
The main employment sectors include light and heavy engineering, manufacturing,
process industries such as oil and chemicals, public utilities, transport
and construction.
Large organisations have estimating departments. In these, promotion may be possible from estimating assistant to more senior positions. With experience, opportunities such as project leader, section manager and estimating department manager may become available. Larger firms may have positions working on overseas contracts.
Small companies in some industries may recruit people with practical experience in manufacturing, installation, selling or accounts in their field to train specifically for estimating jobs.
Salary
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
Assistant or trainee estimators start on a salary of around £16,000
per year.
Qualified senior estimators may earn up to £30,000 per year.
Chartered engineer estimators and departmental managers can earn £40,000
or more per year.
A salary package may include a company car and other job-related benefits.
Further Information
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party websites.
The Association of Cost Engineers
Tel: 01270 764798
www.acoste.org.uk
CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
Engineering Construction Industry Training Board
Tel: 01923 260000
www.ecitb.org.uk
SEMTA (Science Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance)
Tel: 0808 100 3682
www.semta.org.uk
