A New Career Path Adapted from Information by High Speed (HS2) After working at a warehouse as a forklift driver, despite securing a promotion to management, a 44-year-old mother felt it was time for a change. Among the growing “orange army” of female construction workers, Natalie changed careers to play a part in building Britain’s new railway. Natalie, who lives in Castle Bromwich, was both intrigued and inspired by the HS2 construction, which she could see taking shape from her bedroom window. She felt confident there were transferrable elements in her skill set and began researching construction-related roles that could set her on the path to a new beginning. Natalie contacted Bachy Soletanche and Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering joint venture (SB3) about working on the HS2 project when she discovered they were offering a one-year training with accreditation program. SB3 was recruiting for trainee piling operatives, a skilled role requiring operatives to drive steel columns into the ground. Natalie submitted her application and, within three weeks, was onboard with a team of ten new recruits working on HS2. Natalie sailed through the training program, excelling at all the learning modules from slinger to piling operative and became a fully qualified rig attendant. Natalie and her colleagues began the concrete reinforcement works, digging up to 114 feet depths to stabilize the ground for the network of viaducts and bridges that will carry HS2 trains. Natalie’s construction manager saw her passion and enthusiasm, and when she was ready, put her forward for the next available course. SB3 funded the training which would see her progress from rig attendant to rig driver, where she would take charge of the piling rig and drive steel rods into the ground. When she completed the course in September 2023, she received accreditation for becoming the first female in the UK to achieve rig driver status. “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.” Natalie works on a 14-person team on the HS2 route in Birmingham, where she currently leads the piling operation for the Duddeston Junction viaduct, which requires 110 pilings. Taking charge of the rig team is a huge responsibility, but 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. “It’s great to be doing something different. To play a part in building this new railway, which 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. Balfour Beatty VINCI, HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, wants to help more women start a career in the sector by launching an exclusive “women’s only” introduction to construction training course. This will equip women with the skills and accreditation needed to start a new career in just six to eight weeks. C&G ALUCAST, Inc. designs and builds high-quality aluminum monitoring well covers that are far lighter than steel, won’t rust, and have no risk of sparking in the presence of a flammable gas. Its thick aluminum pipe skirt extends nearly a foot belowgrade to ensure trouble-free installation, even in deep concrete. To close the cover, two recessed, self-aligning stainless steel hex bolts with o-rings provide lasting security, plus more space is left around the bolts to ensure easy access with a wrench or socket. A gasket located in the body ring prevents contamination from rainwater or surface debris. Custom design service is available for length/diameter, color, bolt size, and your company logo with no minimum quantities required. ALUCAST, Inc. is a Valued WWDR Advertiser. 42 JULY 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk4Mzk=