Typically, electrical estimators learn the craft through on-the-job training. But, you can also take formal courses to advance your career.
For example, the Dunwoody College of Technology offers an associate’s degree program in drafting and estimating. The program provides a certificate that transfers into the college’s Electrical Construction Design & Management associate’s degree.
Basics of Electrical Estimating
Electrical estimators are responsible for calculating the cost of the electrical aspect of a project. This includes materials, labor, overhead and other costs that are associated with the electrical work being done. They also prepare a project proposal or bid that meets submission guidelines. The electrical estimating process is complex and requires training to ensure accuracy.
Formal educational qualifications for becoming an electrical estimator include a bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a closely related field. Obtaining a degree in these fields provides the necessary technical knowledge of building codes, safety regulations and construction methods to be successful in this role. Taking an apprenticeship or formal training program is also important in becoming an electrical estimator. This type of training provides the opportunity to work under a experienced mentor and learn the responsibilities, duties and skills of the job.
Other training options for becoming an electrical estimator include self-directed learning through books or online courses. Many of the same principles can be learned in these ways as in a classroom setting. The advantage of an online course is that the learning experience can be self-paced and completed at the student’s own speed.
One of the most important things to remember when completing an electrical estimating course is to practice and develop the soft skills that are necessary for success in this profession. This includes great communication, focus, time management and the ability to read blueprints accurately. It is also crucial to use dedicated estimating software solutions that can streamline the estimating process and save valuable time.
Being able to count is also important when preparing an estimate. However, it is even more crucial to be able to understand the context behind the numbers so that you can make sure your quotes are accurate. For example, if you are estimating the work required to install an electrical box in a concrete block wall, you need to know how much material is needed for the entire project and not just the number of boxes that will be installed. This helps prevent costly mistakes like quoting for ten feet of EMT when the actual work needs is only five.
Advanced Electrical Estimating
If you have extensive construction experience and are interested in advancing your career, you can attend a training course that will help you master the skills of advanced electrical estimating. The courses are designed to teach you how to prepare accurate estimates for large commercial and industrial projects. Those who complete these classes will find that they can save their company time and money by creating more accurate bids. The courses are also available online.
Taking an electrical estimator certification course is one of the best ways to get started in this field. Oftentimes, these classes are offered by specialized schools that focus on the specific needs of the industry. These programs will typically include coursework that focuses on electrical engineering, construction management and other relevant topics. The courses will also include hands-on practice exercises and assessments.
The first course in the electrical estimating series is an eight-hour course that will cover a variety of topics, including how to prepare a preliminary estimate for a project. You will learn how to calculate the cost of different components, how to create a detailed schedule and how to determine whether or not a project is feasible. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to create a successful bid for any job.
Once you have completed your basic electrical estimating training course, you can take a more advanced course that will teach you how to use a computerized estimating program. This course is a combination of lecture and demonstration, and it will give you the tools you need to accurately estimate complex electrical projects. This course will provide you with the skills and confidence that you need to succeed in the world of electrical estimating.
In addition to the training that you can receive from an electrical estimating class, there are several other resources that you can use to increase your skills in this field. The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) offers an online course that provides a clear explanation of the NECA labor unit data and how to use it to competitively bid an electrical construction project.
Service-Small Jobbing Electrical Estimating
As a service-small jobbing electrical estimator, you will use your skills to prepare cost estimates for call out service/maintenance works and small tendered projects. This course covers all the steps you need to take in preparing an accurate estimate from the planning phase through to final pricing. It will also help you establish a pricing structure that includes your overheads, giving you the confidence to charge for all aspects of your work including labour, equipment and material. The training consists of 2.5 days of a mix of theory and practical hands-on.
Using the right electrical estimating software can significantly reduce the time it takes to prepare an estimate and can help you avoid costly mistakes. However, it is important to note that even with the best estimating software, you will still need to know how to calculate the actual costs of each item. This is where a combination of research, knowledge and estimating software will be critical to successfully bid electrical jobs for your contracting business.
Most electricians get on-job-training from their supervisors or other experienced colleagues who will teach them the processes of preparing cost estimates. This helps them understand the ins and outs of preparing price estimates for a given project and gives them a chance to practice their skills on real-world projects. This is one of the most effective ways to become a successful electrical estimator.
Electrical estimating software can integrate with a wide range of other tools and technologies, from accounting systems that can track project expenses to CAD or BIM software that offers 3D visualization of construction projects. This integration can help businesses manage data more effectively and reduce the amount of time spent manually entering information into their estimating systems.
Another benefit of electrical estimating software is that it can help contractors and estimators manage labor costs more effectively. For example, by incorporating features such as labor units and pre-built assemblies, the software can help users estimate how much they should pay their employees to complete each task. This can help them avoid over- or underestimating labor costs, which can affect the profitability of their projects.
Electrical Estimating 2
Developing a skillset is vital for any electrical estimator. The best way to do this is by taking a course that will help develop their professional knowledge and abilities. Whether an employee is seeking a career change or a promotion, becoming a certified electrical estimator will improve their prospects by showing employers that they have gained a certain level of proficiency in this area.
The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) offers a number of courses related to electrical estimating. One of these is the Electrical Estimating Fundamentals course, which is designed to prepare trainee estimators to use estimating software to its fullest potential. This course is based on real-world examples and provides a practical hands-on approach to the estimating process. It consists of five lessons and is delivered onsite to contractors by a local ECA.
Another training option is an online electrical estimating course. These courses provide students with the opportunity to learn how to create estimates in a virtual classroom and are typically taught by a qualified instructor. The course will cover a number of topics, including how to estimate labour and equipment, as well as preparing an electrical construction cost report.
Online electrical estimating courses are often shorter than other types of courses and do not require an industry certification to take part in. These courses are a great option for individuals who need to refresh their skills or for those who do not have the time to take a more in-depth course.
Many people who work as electrical estimators also have a variety of other qualifications, including certification from a number of different industry organizations. For example, many electrical estimators are certified as construction project managers by the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. Obtaining this qualification can open up additional employment opportunities for estimators and can help them achieve higher pay rates. Some employers may even offer a bonus to employees who are certified in this field. This is because a certificate indicates that an individual has a higher level of skills and expertise in the field of construction management, making them more valuable to their employer.