Smith, who now lives in Castle Bromwich, was both intrigued and inspired by HS2's construction, which she could see taking shape from her bedroom window. After working as a forklift truck driver in warehouse operations, and despite having secured promotion to a management position, she felt it was time for change.
She felt confident there was a transferrable element to her skillset and began researching construction-related roles that could set her on the path to a new start. A friend of her father already worked on HS2, as a construction manager, and Smith asked how she might get on board. She contacted SB3, the Bachy Soletanche and Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering joint venture, leading the foundation works for HS2 in the West Midlands. SB3 were recruiting for trainee piling operatives. SB3 was offering one-year's training with accreditation - exactly what Smith was looking for.
The whole process happened quickly. In June 2022, Smith submitted her application to SB3 and within three weeks, she was on board with a team of 10 new recruits working on HS2.
Rig attendant
Smith sailed through the training programme, excelling at all the learning modules from Slinger to Piling Operative. She passed with flying colours and became a fully qualified rig attendant.
Now an established member of the team, Smith and her colleagues began the concrete reinforcement works, digging up to 35m depths, to stabilise the ground ready for the network of viaducts and bridges that will carry HS2 trains. Her passion and enthusiasm shone through, and when she was ready for career progression, Natalie's construction manager put her forward for the next available course.
SB3 funded the training, which would see her progress from rig attendant, signalling the piling operations, to rig driver, where she would take charge of the 86t BG33 piling rig and drive 20t steel rods into the ground.
Accreditation
When Smith completed the course in September 2023, she received accreditation from the awarding body CITA, who confirmed she was the first female in the UK to achieve rig driver status.
Five months into her new role, Smith could not be happier. She works as part of a 14-person team on the HS2 route in Birmingham between Saltley and Curzon Street. She is currently leading the piling operation for the Duddeston Junction viaduct - which requires 110 piles.
Taking charge of the rig team is a huge responsibility, but it is a challenge Smith relishes. She credits the entire team for supporting her and hopes by sharing her story, more women will feel empowered to step forward and start a career in construction.
First in the UK
She said: "Apparently, I'm the first female in the UK to qualify as a rig driver, which makes me feel really proud of what I've achieved. On site, I am the only female in the rig team, but it doesn't bother me, or the lads, everyone is just so supportive.
"My mum can't believe the huge machines I drive, and my son asks every night, ‘How many holes have you dug today mum?'.
"It's great to be doing something different. To play a part in building this new railway, that will stand for years to come, means I'm part of a moment in history and I love that idea."
HS2 is striving to encourage more women to enter the rail and construction sectors. In 2022/23, 30% of HS2's Tier 1 supply chain workforce were female, which is above the industry average.
Got a story? Email: duncan.moore@aspermont.com
