A mum from Redditch is making history after becoming the UK's first female rig driver. 

Natalie Smith, aged 44, is amongst the growing number of female construction workers who are playing a part in building HS2. 

Ms Smith, who now lives in Castle Bromwich, could see the new railway taking shape from her bedroom window so quickly ditched her job as a forklift truck driver as she wanted to get involved.

The mum-of-one contacted SB3, who are leading the foundation works for HS2, and within three weeks of applying, she was on board with a team of ten new recruits. 

Ms Smith sailed through the training programme to qualify as a rig attendant before moving to the next course and becoming a rig driver. 

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?”

When Ms Smith completed her course in September 2023, she received accreditation from the awarding body CITA, who confirmed she was the first female to achieve rig driver status. 

As part of her job, Ms Smith takes charge of the 86-tonne BG33 piling rig and drives 20-tonne steel rods into the ground. 

Five months into her new role, Ms Smith is now leading the piling operation for the Duddeston Junction viaduct and hopes she will help inspire other women to start a career in construction. 

She added: “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.”