Estimating is a critical function in civil engineering, requiring precision, foresight and a deep understanding of materials, labour and project management. Women in this field often bring unique perspectives and innovative solutions to complex challenges.

In the first two instalments of our series, we celebrated key women in the estimating team at Barhale and the contributions they are making. We continue to highlight the achievements of women in our industry, who are excelling in this crucial role, showcasing their expertise, leadership and the barriers they are overcoming. This instalment explores the journey of estimator, Victoria Noon, working in our yorkshire region, who details her career as an estimator for Barhale so far.

Victoria’s background

Before Barhale, Victoria worked for a couple of rail infrastructure companies after finishing school. It was during this time where she discovered her love for civil engineering, and this changed the direction of her life. “I worked for Keltbray, as an assistant estimator. Prior to this I worked for Hird Group as a contracts assistant. I enjoyed it so much I decided not to go to university, as was my plan.  So, my career took an entirely different turn.”

The job so far

Now at Barhale for over a year, Victoria is independently estimating for a minor framework project for the yorkshire region. As part of her job, Victoria receives plans from the designers and she would highlight and present ways to make the project cheaper for the client. When a design strategy has been agreed, she takes off the quantity (supplies) and produces a bill of quantities via the software (Candy) which allows her to break down the job to be carried out. In addition, Victoria is responsible for the production of the methodology, programme of the works, risk register and highlighting any assumptions and opportunities. She enthuses how much she is enjoying her job, particularly the autonomy she has in producing estimates independently and with Martin Brown, CEO of Barhale as her mentor, how well she feels she has been supported on her journey so far. “I had a slow start because everyone was so busy to take a pause to train, but I knew I needed to be supported with training, so Martin picked this up and took me under his wing.” In fact, Victoria is exhibiting leadership qualities and an ability to use her own initiative and recognise areas where she and other estimators could benefit from site training visits to enable herself and others to raise their site and technical knowledge.

Education & training

To aid her development, Victoria has undertaken several training opportunities such as Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS), CAD training and NVQ in Construction Contracting – Estimating, which capitalises on her previous training in Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying that she had undertaken before working for Barhale.

Challenges and highlights

“I’ve been doing a lot of estimating for Yorkshire Water where one of their objectives is to save money. I’ve had to speak to the client a lot to present to them on how I can reduce costs for them. But also, how it is achievable and reasonable without losing all our profit as well. I’d say that’s probably the biggest challenge in what I’m currently doing. ” In terms of notable wins, there was a tender that was going to and fro between Barhale and Yorkshire Water with others in competition with us.  In the end, I had to present to Yorkshire Water and with this being my first big job, this was nerve wracking. However, we were awarded the contract, so I’d say that this has been my biggest highlight so far.”

Mentorship

Martin Brown, CEO of Barhale who has been mentoring Victoria describes how well Victoria has been doing in her role and taking the initiative in her continual development: “Victoria is currently working towards the senior estimator position. Over the last two years she has progressed in line with her personal development plan that was jointly developed by myself, George Beeching and Victoria. Her work ethic, enthusiasm to engage with our operations teams and drive to get out on our sites to fully understand construction planning and methodologies is excellent.”

Home life

On a personal note, Victoria spends time outside of work with family responsibilities and a house renovating project keeps her busy. Victoria has high praise for Barhale compared to other companies on how they support their employees with dependents. “Barhale is very good…they understand you’ve got a life outside work and they are very good to accommodate that. So, I think the job is helpful with my responsibilities.” Victoria details the logistics of her day to day and how flexibility is given to suit her circumstances. “Work kind of comes in waves, so when its busy I’ll be working evenings. But when it’s quiet, I’ll get some down time, but my manager George, he knows that. So, when you are flat out, I can be working every evening throughout the week, but he gives you that time back.”

Final words

“This is a very male dominated industry. This whole industry is, though I like that. I like to see people’s faces when I tell them what I do. Because they don’t expect it. It’s an excellent job to be fair. I would absolutely recommend going into estimating with Barhale. Out of all the companies I have worked for, it far exceeds other companies. It is a different culture. Everyone can’t do enough for you. I can’t imagine how busy Martin Brown is, but he spends time with me to make sure I feel comfortable. You wouldn’t get that anywhere else, not at his status and level.”

We wish Victoria all the best as she continues her journey with Barhale in her role as an estimator in the yorkshire region.