Beyond the Trades

Job Description

Estimators play a critical role in the planning and execution of mechanical contracting projects. They work closely with engineers on the budgets for upcoming projects, reviewing large tender documents in careful detail. Estimators must have a strong understanding of both the mechanical contracting industry, strong relationships with sub trades, as well as competency in the management side of the mechanical trades.

Skills of a Great Estimator

Competence in an office environment as well as a strong understanding of the mechanical contracting industry in the field.

Ability to read and understand engineering documents, architectural drawings, mechanical drawings, and electrical drawings.

Accountability and responsibility, the numbers provided by estimators for bids must be accurate and reliable.

High attention to detail. Estimators must read dense engineering tenders in order to prepare bid packages.

Be numbers and results driven, the more you enjoy getting the numbers right the more motivating and satisfying this job will be for you.

Ability to multitask and move in a fast paced, high pressure environment. 

Ability to build strong professional relationships and network well with colleagues, sub trades, and suppliers.  

Does this sound like you?

If so, there are a few ways to start a career as an estimator.

Engineering Background: Those with an educational background in mechanical engineering have a significant advantage in estimating. They can draw from mechanical expertise and the ability to read engineering documents in order to qualify for an estimating role.

Trades Background: Those who begin their careers as a skilled mechanical tradesperson, such as plumbers, can draw from their field expertise and industry knowledge in order to transition into estimating positions.

Job Description

Project Management in the mechanical contracting industry is an incredibly rewarding career that involves managing construction projects from start to finish. This includes coordinating vendors, suppliers, and subtrades, and ultimately delivering projects on time, on budget, and to scope.

Project management is a dynamic process, because every project is different and people in this role have to adapt quickly. There is an infinite amount of knowledge to learn in this multifaceted industry. Project management is an exciting career for those who want to continually grow, take on new challenges, and solve problems.

Skills of a Great Project Manager

Strong communication skills. Project managers need to ask the right questions and communicate with many different vendors and subtrades.

Ability to use a range of technological systems such as construction project management tools and billing systems.

Industry knowledge. It's important to have a strong understanding of the mechanical contracting industry and an ability to interpret mechanical drawings.

Highly organized. Managing documents, change orders, paperwork, and contracts is critical to managing a project and also holding people accountable.

Strong people skills. Its critical to be able to build relationships with clients, vendors, subtrades.

Have the ability to identify, and in some cases anticipate, problems then find solutions and seek expertise in specific areas when necessary.

Must be intrinsically motivated and care about the result of the project. Project managers are responsible for driving projects forward.

Does this sound like you?

If so, there are a few ways to start a career as project manager.

Engineering Background: As with Estimators, those with an education and experience in engineering have substantial knowledge they can draw from for project management roles.

Estimating: Estimating provides Project Managers with an excellent foundation for their role, specifically with industry knowledge and managing budget.

Other Industries: While not as common, Project Managers in other industries can transition into the mechanical contracting industry. While they can draw from existing project management skills, they will need to spend time and training learning about the specifics of the industry.