Career Advice for a Technical Estimator

As a Technical Estimator, you will be responsible for calculating the costs of materials, labour, and equipment needed for a project.

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How to Become a Technical Estimator

Choosing your career path and learning how to become the person you aspire to be is not always straight forward; getting a job in your chosen industry will take dedication, focus and the right qualifications.

When you have chosen the career path you wish to follow, you will need to learn how to become a Technical Estimator

Should you wish to work as a Technical Estimator you will need to evaluate what courses are required, their cost and what qualifications you need. It is important that you also assess whether you have the right credentials from a personality point of view, what the demands of the job are and whether they complement the lifestyle that you desire.

Another factor to consider, should you wish to fulfil your career aspirations, is the number of jobs you will need to have to reach your ultimate job, and the length of time it will take to reach this goal.

Common Qualifications for a Technical Estimator

  • A Level 3 Diploma or equivalent in a relevant field such as Construction, Engineering, or Manufacturing.
  • Experience in estimating or a related field.
  • Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Key Responsibilities for a Technical Estimator

  • Analyzing project specifications and drawings to determine the materials, labour, and equipment needed.
  • Preparing accurate cost estimates and proposals for clients.
  • Collaborating with project managers, engineers, and suppliers to ensure cost-effective solutions.
  • Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and pricing.
  • Negotiating with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain the best prices.
  • Providing support to the project team throughout the project lifecycle.

What to expect as a Technical Estimator

As a Technical Estimator in the UK, you can work for construction companies, engineering firms, or manufacturing companies.

Recommended Technical Estimator Jobs

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How to get Technical Estimator Jobs

Our advice on how to get a Technical Estimator job is to focus on preparation and personalisation.

Preparation

This occurs before you write a CV cover letter or complete a Technical Estimator application. If you have not held a Technical Estimator position before, it will help to research the industry and review what a typical career path might look like. If you have held a Technical Estimator role, focus your research on the company where you are seeking employment.

Valuable resources that will help you learn about the employer include the company’s career page, social media page, blog, job ad, and job description. Helpful information will consist of the company’s mission statement, values, and vision. You could also use an employer review site to gain insights on average salaries, what current employees say about the company culture, and what it is like to work for the organisation.

Personalisation

You are now in a position to use what you have learned in your Technical Estimator CV, cover letter, and application. You should personalise each Technical Estimator application, cover letter, and CV; prioritising job skills and relevant experience and providing examples that show you have similar values and goals.

This pre-application stage is a crucial step in how to become a Technical Estimator in the UK. It puts you in a superbly informed state, ready for forthcoming telephone, video, or in-person interviews.

Students: How to Become a Technical Estimator 

As with all professions, choose your study topics carefully. Review the qualifications needed to be a Technical Estimator and the subjects you will need to enrol in certification courses, higher education, or online courses. 

Aligning your study subjects

The more closely you align your study subjects with your career path, the more likely you will be to have projects and modules that you can refer to and show a prospective employer that you have practical or theoretical Technical Estimator experience.

How to get Technical Estimator Experience

What does it take to be a Technical Estimator? The best way to find out is to get work experience, which will be invaluable when applying for Technical Estimator jobs. You can learn how to be a successful Technical Estimator through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering for a local business.

How to be a Technical Estimator Part-Time 

If you are wondering how to get into Technical Estimator part-time, there are several possibilities. You might find a new employer looking for a part-time Technical Estimator or find your existing employer is amenable. Often companies recognise the value of flexible hours and having more staff at work during busy times of the day. 

Technical Estimator freelance work

If you have impressive Technical Estimator qualifications and experience, you could take on the challenges of working freelance with control over your schedule.

Making a Career Change

How to start a career in this profession if you work in another industry may require studying for qualifications online and focusing on transferable skills when writing your CV and attending job interviews.