Job Title

 

Estimator

 

Job Description

 

Estimators work in all areas of construction such as heavy industrial, institutional and commercial, civil engineering and also new homes and renovation. An Estimator carries out a wide range of duties including contract proposals, preparation of cost estimates for  labor, materials and equipment for construction projects based on plans and specs, advising on or conducting contract negotiations, assembling bids and submitting quotes to meet bid closure deadlines.  Skill and expertise are required in one's ability to read and understand plans and specifications.

 

Education Requirements

 

To become an Estimator in the construction field, there are a couple of steps and requirements that one has to achieve:

  • Grade 12 completion
  • Many may have a post-secondary degree in programs such as civil, agriculture or construction engineering technology (for more specific requirements of high-school marks and courses check with the school of your choice).
  • Obtain a certification in the field, which is based on education, experience and ability in performing the job, achieved after an examination.
  • The certification also requires between 2 and 8 years of estimating experience.
  • A Gold Seal certification is required for outside the province work. This can be obtained through GVAC ? Grand Valley Construction Association, Cambridge, Ontario: http://www.gvca.org.

Note: The Estimator Certification is not required, but highly recommended, since many employees may require it.

 

Schools in Ontario, Canada

 

Since becoming an Estimator includes a three years degree in civil, agriculture, construction engineer or related fields, there are many schools across Ontario that provide that. (Check the other career for more information on the Ontario schools that provide those programs).

However, there are some schools that provide courses specific for Estimators, such as:

 

CDI College - Brampton Campus
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Tel: (800) 620-8725
Web: http://www.cdicollege.ca/

 

George Brown College
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Tel: (416) 415-2000
Toll-free: 1-800-265-2002 (only Canada and US)               
Web: http://www.georgebrown.ca/

 

Certification Courses/ Red Seal Certification

Canadian Construction Association?s Gold Seal Certification Program
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Tel: (613) 236-9455
Web: http://www.cca-acc.com/privacy.html

 

GVCA ? Grand Valley Construction Association
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Tel: (519) 622-4822
Web: http://www.gvca.org.vs3.korax.net/about_gvca/

 

Ontario Institute of Quantity Surveyors
Markham, Ontario, Canada
Tel: (905) 477-3222
Web: http://www.oiqs.org/public/

 

For up-to-date information

 

Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering
Morgantown, WV, USA
Tel: 800-858-COST (2678)
Web: http://www.aacei.org/education/aep/welcome.shtml

Also offers certification courses

 

Construction Sector Council
Web: http://www.csc-ca.org/