Breaking Ground: Meet Natalie Smith, the UK's First Female Rig Digger
At 44, Natalie Smith is carving out history as the UK's first female rig driver, proving that it’s never too late to pursue a new path. A mother of one and now a proud member of the growing "orange army" helping build Britain’s new railway, Natalie is an inspiring trailblazer in the construction industry.
Now living in Castle Bromwich, Natalie transitioned from her job as a forklift truck driver in warehouse operations after witnessing the HS2 construction near her home. Determined to be part of something bigger, she joined SB3—a joint venture between Bachy Soletanche and Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering. Natalie excelled in their rigorous training program and, in September 2023, earned her Rig Driver accreditation from CITA, officially making her the first woman in the UK to achieve this status.
Leading the Way on HS2
Now five months into her role, Natalie works as part of a 14-person team along the HS2 route in Birmingham, between Saltley and Curzon Street. She currently leads the piling operation for the Duddeston Junction viaduct, a project requiring 110 piles. Despite the immense responsibility, Natalie embraces the challenge, crediting her team's unwavering support for her success.
"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," Natalie shared. "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."
Her son is equally proud, often asking her at the end of the day, "How many holes have you dug today, Mum?" And her mother remains in awe of the massive machinery Natalie commands.
Shifting the Landscape for Women in Construction
Natalie’s achievement is even more remarkable against the backdrop of a traditionally male-dominated industry. As of Q3 2024, women made up only 14.7% of the UK construction workforce—about 303,000 women compared to 1.76 million men. In highly specialised roles like rig driving, female representation has historically been almost non-existent.
However, change is underway. HS2 has been a driving force for diversity, with 30% of its Tier 1 supply chain workforce being female in 2022/23—well above the industry average. Additionally, organisations like Balfour Beatty VINCI have launched targeted initiatives, such as a women-only Introduction to Construction course at South and City College in Birmingham, designed to fast-track women into industry roles within 6-8 weeks.
Building a More Inclusive Future
Despite progress, barriers remain. A 2024 report highlighted persistent challenges like inflexible work environments, male-dominated cultures, and a lack of awareness about career opportunities for women in construction. Addressing these issues requires a collective effort:
- Education & Outreach: Schools and industry leaders must promote construction careers to young women, showcasing the diverse roles available.
- Mentorship & Support: Programs pairing female newcomers with experienced mentors can provide guidance and build confidence.
- Inclusive Workplace Policies: Companies must actively cultivate environments where women feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities for growth.
Natalie Smith’s groundbreaking success exemplifies the limitless potential for women in construction when given the chance. Her story is a beacon of possibility, showing that with determination, support, and opportunity, women can not only participate in but lead the way in shaping the infrastructure of tomorrow.
By continuing to break down barriers and champion diversity, the industry can move toward a future where stories like Natalie’s become the norm rather than the exception.
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