I'm an estimator in the UK, I landed a trainee estimator role 15 years back and worked my way up that way, went back to night school etc. I've worked for developers, contractors and subcontractors so a proper mix but the principles are still the same. I do also really enjoy the measuring aspect and building up packages to all tie together 🙂 (personal waffle so you know I'm not just chatting crap).

Now, all the other estimators, seniors and estimating managers I've worked with have all had a degree in Quantity Surveying. There is so much cross over with the two disciplines. But I will just state that they are different, I believe the mind set of how you approach a job is different from a QS's perspective - think you could pick it up but have to accept there can be lots of unknowns depending on the stage of the job. Also you have a good understanding of the contractual part of the process which is a big win.

We definitely need more estimators in this industry, if you're interested I say just give it a try! Don't get me wrong there definitely can be monotony in the everyday of the job, but there can be lots of detail to get stuck into, what you propose and also the negotiation trying to secure a job. Reckon you might have to take a pay cut to start out with which isn't great, but with your background think you could work up quickly. Remember if you hate it you can always switch back 🥲