Construction estimators need to have advanced math skills to calculate labor, equipment and material costs for a project. They also need to know how to read blueprints, plans and specifications.
Traditional students and adults looking for a career change often think of trade school as an alternative to college. In fact, a trade program can be much more affordable and quicker than a four-year degree.
Cost-Effective Training
Construction estimators play a critical role in the bidding process. This is when builders and contractors submit proposals, or bids, to work on a project for companies and governments. These estimates are used to determine which builder will receive the contract to develop a new structure or infrastructure.
A qualified cost estimator can help minimize the chance of over or underestimating costs, which can negatively impact a company’s bottom line and make it more difficult for other contractors to win the job. To help ensure a successful career as an estimator, it’s important to obtain the right training.
Trade schools, which are also known as vocational schools or technical schools, provide students with a shorter educational pathway and hands-on career-focused education in a specific trade. This is a great alternative to the 4-year college experience where students often take general education courses that don’t relate directly to their chosen profession.
The good news is that tuition fees at most trade schools are significantly less than the cost of a four-year college degree, and you can earn a certificate or diploma in just a few months. This can give you the opportunity to start your career sooner, enabling you to gain valuable job experience while also earning competitive wages.
Real-World Experience
As a construction estimator, you’ll be expected to complete detailed reports and understand the costs of materials and labor. You’ll also need to know how to read blueprints and drawings, as well as have a good understanding of building materials and components. Other important skills include math expertise, effective communication and time management. Construction estimators often work within specific timeframes, and they must be able to complete their tasks quickly.
During training, you’ll gain practical experience with the cost estimation process by working on real projects. This will help you gain the necessary skills to make accurate estimates for a variety of projects, including residential and commercial buildings, roadways and bridges. The skills you develop during this process will be critical to your future success as a construction estimator.
Trade schools, or vocational schools, are postsecondary education institutions that focus on specific career areas such as welding, carpentry and auto mechanics. They can be a great option for high school students who are unsure of what they want to do after graduation. These schools typically provide intensive career-focused courses that can be completed in less than a year. This allows graduates to enter the workforce quickly and begin earning a living. As a result, they can help to alleviate the skilled worker shortage that is impacting many construction businesses across America.
Employer Recognition
The construction industry is facing a shortage of skilled workers. This is especially true for estimators. Many construction companies and contractors rely on estimators to construct cost estimates that are accurate and meet their project needs.
While the work can be challenging, it is rewarding for those who excel in it. People who are best suited to construction work enjoy working with their hands, are highly project-oriented, and pay close attention to detail.
If you want to get into the construction industry, consider a trade school for your training. These programs often take less time, are a little less expensive than a four-year degree program, and are focused on your chosen career, which means you can enter the workforce faster.
Whether you’re an experienced contractor or just starting out, hiring the right people can make all the difference in your business. Using a preconstruction estimation software like DESTINI Estimator can help you find and hire high-quality candidates.
A good construction estimator is the glue that holds the many pieces of a construction project together. They are able to read plans and specifications, understand how these pieces relate to each other, and provide an expert understanding of project costs. To be successful, they must follow standards for measurement units and consistently fill out cost-recording documents in a manner that is verifiable and easy to hand off to another person.
Flexible Schedule
The job of a construction estimator involves predicting the future costs of materials, labor and equipment. It requires strong math skills and the ability to use a computer to calculate these projections. It is also important to understand construction design and blueprints, and the ability to work with other construction specialists.
The most effective way to build the skills necessary for the job is by attending a construction trade school. These institutions offer multiple program options, including certificate and diploma programs that last less than a year and focus on specific areas of construction such as carpentry or wiring. Additionally, they offer associate degree programs that can be completed in two years and provide a more comprehensive overview of construction knowledge and best practices.
Construction estimating courses can be taken online and are designed with the flexibility to fit into the busy schedules of working professionals. The courses include interactive lessons that are supplemented by quizzes and can be completed on the student’s own time, rather than in a classroom setting.
Students can find scholarships to attend a construction trade school, and some states even offer grants to help students afford their education. Taking advantage of these resources can help traditional students and older adults who are changing careers find the right path to success in their new career as a construction estimator.