Estimator

You could do a higher national diploma or degree before starting work. Relevant subjects include:

• structural engineering
• civil engineering
• construction management
• quantity surveying

Courses at this level include topics like:

• contract tendering
• estimating
• buying
• cost management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could apply for an apprenticeship to become an estimator.

Options include:

• Project Controls Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Project Controls Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Construction Quantity Surveyor Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These can take between 3 and 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You may be able to apply for an estimator position if you have qualifications and experience in related work, for example:

• surveying
• construction project management
• civil engineering
• structural engineering
• procurement

Registrations

you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Controls and Skills Authority for professional development, to make new networking contacts and learn about industry news.

Further Information

You can find more details about working as an estimator in construction and engineering from:

• Go Construct
• Tomorrow's Engineers

As an estimator, you'll:

• research the cost of materials, equipment, transport and labour
• use planning and scheduling software to estimate timescales
• assess the levels of risk on a project
• prepare quotes and cost summaries for senior managers
• help with bids for new contracts and support buying activities
• monitor projects to make sure costs are kept in line with forecasts

We've identified this as a potential green job

For an estimator to be a green job, you could:

• do audits to find opportunities to use sustainable materials and energy
• calculate potential long-term benefits of green building methods
• identify funding sources and incentives for sustainable development

Find out more about green careers

You could work in an office or on a construction site.