Design & planning

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

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

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

Courses at this level usually include relevant units on topics like:contract tendering; estimating; buying

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

• project controls technician advanced apprenticeship
• project controls professional degree apprenticeship
• construction site management degree apprenticeship

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You could apply for a job as an estimator after getting relevant construction industry experience in roles like:

• administrator
• craftsperson
• technician
• surveying assistant

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could apply to join the Association of Cost Engineers for professional development, networking opportunities and industry news.

Further information

You can find more details about working in construction and engineering from:Go Construct; Tomorrow's Engineers

With experience, you could become a project team leader, quality assurance inspector or contracts manager.

You could also move into a related area, like quantity surveying, supply chain or general management.