Learn the full range of skills required to estimate costs for construction projects. Be ready to launch your career in just 36 weeks.
What’s Your Role as a Construction Estimator?
Construction estimators study and analyze the projected cost of a building project, produce an accurate estimate of total costs, and use that data to create competitive project bids. They work on civil engineering, architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical construction projects.
Estimators consider:
- The cost of required materials, taking into account market fluctuations for certain products (like drywall and plywood)
- The cost of labour and equipment necessary to complete the work
- Possible job sites surprises such as insect damage or wood decay
- Soft costs such as permits and inspection fees, planning and feasibility studies, and field supervision
Additional duties and responsibilities of construction estimators include:
- Advising on the tendering procedure
- Setting up methods of monitoring costs and adjusting estimates while the work is in progress
- Coordinating with owners, suppliers, and contractors
- Preparing construction progress schedules
Herzing College Construction Electrical Mechanical Estimator Program
This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in construction estimating. You will learn what’s involved in the estimating and bid process from start to finish and graduate ready to be an asset to an employer.
- 36-week program
- Learn from experienced instructors
- Multiple program start dates throughout the year
- Training grants, loans, and scholarships may be available for qualified students (our admissions team can help you apply)
Career Outlook
Successful graduates of this program are qualified for jobs with:
- Residential, commercial, and industrial construction companies
- Major electrical, mechanical, and trade contractors
Possible job titles include:
- Junior construction estimator
- Junior cost estimator
Study Topics
The construction electrical mechanical estimator program teaches the skills required for an electrical/mechanical estimator through a blend of theory instruction and hands-on training methods. Areas of study include the basics of estimating, tendering and reporting systems, and occupational health and safety considerations.
Click to see a detailed description of each course.
Occupational health & safety is a cross-disciplinary area concerned with protecting the safety, health, and welfare of people engaged in work or employment. As a secondary effect, it may also protect co-workers, family members, nearby communities, and other members of the public who are impacted by the workplace environment. Topics include knowledge of the Acts, protocols and safety manuals, Inspection Agency familiarization and completion of the safety certification requirements.
Students will understand the role of an estimator. They will be introduced to the role of an intermediate estimator and learn what basic assistance they will be providing in a junior position, from calculating various statistical data to researching historical data. Students will be exposed to a full estimating procedure from start to finish. This module will also review necessary mathematical skills necessary for the estimating sector.
Students will learn how to calculate various statistical data: quality take-offs, material price lists, labour costs per man hour, equipment, etc. They will learn how junior estimators assist with obtaining scopes of work and pricing from subcontractors and suppliers. Students learn how to make estimates and takeoffs from all sources of material: blueprints, manual drawings and electronic simulations, field sketches, etc.
Students learn how to use AutoCAD software to assist them in the estimating field. They begin with basic comprehension of 2D drafting and then advance to 3D modelling. Students learn automatic drawing creation and architectural modelling and rendering.
Students will learn the role of junior estimator when dealing with these systems. They will learn to assist with obtaining scopes of work and pricing from subcontractors and suppliers. They will learn the bid process and assist with closing bids. Students will learn to research data and compile summary to develop guidelines and precedence for future estimates.
In this module, students will learn how to assist with obtaining scopes and pricing from subcontractors and suppliers. They will understand how to assist in the monitoring of conceptual estimated with actual cost data. Furthermore, they will prepare summary reports and other financial statements including cost, expenditure, and budgets.
This module introduces students to the types of organizational structures. It focuses on the ways organizations create and reach their operating potential. This module covers operational strategies including methods of inventory control and types of distribution channels, as well as relations with subcontractors and suppliers. In addition, this module covers organizational cultures and ethical practices in a business environment.
Admission Requirements
What you need to get started.
- Minimum of a Canadian high school grade 12 or equivalent, or a mature student
- Pass an entrance test administrated by Herzing College
- Be interviewed in detail regarding interest in the field
- Meet any additional program specific entrance requirements
Not all programs and learning formats available at all campus locations.
A Construction Electrical Mechanical Estimator program is registered at and delivered by Herzing College Skilled Trades Toronto and Cambridge. Please click for information on program tuition and fees.
A Construction Electrical Mechanical Estimator program is registered at and delivered by Herzing College Ottawa.