Lead Estimator Review

I work as a lead estimator, looking after the estimating team on a day to day basis. We send quotations to customers for large projects. I have an estimator and trainee estimator that report to me, and I am responsible for their performance. I also create various reports based on our performance and send to the board for review

I have developed various new skills, including time & people management. I have enjoyed learning about the various models and theories that have created, and I like being able to implement in my day to day working life with my team. This has helped me to become more emotionally intelligent and empathetic

It took me a while to buy into the programme, as I felt my coach was not very helpful. This made it hard for me to motivate myself. She left halfway through the programme, and was replaced by a much more helpful coach that really helped me. I have been trying to catch up

The programme is structured okay, however some of the information that apprentices have is different to the information that the tutors have. Some of the trained modules didn't actually help with the assignments, and I had a lot to do my own research. There are lots of bits of information available on the portal, however it is not always easy to find these.

My employer have been very supportive, however because we are a small business in terms of numbers, there's not many people who can do my day to day job if I have to focus on my course for a few days. Financially they paid for the this course, and ultimately it will help me in my career, so I'm very thankful

As discussed previously, I had a coach who myself and the other people from my company thought was not very helpful at all, and really made us not enjoy the course. However her replacement has been a breath of fresh air and has been very helpful if I have any questions

I notice when I am able to put the theory I have learned into practice. This makes me feel like I have really learnt a lot, (or perhaps I knew this already but I didn't know the models). When preparing for meetings & activities it helps me to know what management style I need to use depending on the situation

No

Yes

Although I had some issues with my coach, this was an isolated incident which wasn't really the company's fault. The course has been very long, and at times it has been tricky to maintain a healthy balance, however it has been helpful in my day to day role

Make sure you keep up to date! It can be hard to get back on track once you are behind. I really enjoyed doing the assignments, however my time-keeping could have been better, this has led to a few VERY busy months, so do try to keep up to date with your assignments!