Spotlight on Natalie Easton, Quattro MEWP Operator

"It doesn't matter if  you're male or female, you're just part of the team."

Q: Natalie, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I’m 40 years old and born and raised in Hastings, East Sussex, where I still live today. My eldest son, Jason, is now 21 and works in construction. My second son Callum is 20 and an RRV operator with Quattro, like his dad, Jason. My daughter Molly is 18 and works at Tesco.

I met Jason when I was 18, and it was a whirlwind romance. We had our first child at 19 and built our life from there. Jason has worked in rail for 30 years, often leaving for work before the kids were awake and getting home after bedtime. I stayed at home raising the family and it worked for us.

Q: What led you to make such a change?
After years as a stay-at-home mum, I reached a point where the kids didn’t need me as much and I felt a bit lost. I’d always been focused on them, and suddenly I needed something for myself.

Part of me also wanted to prove something. I’d started to feel a bit worthless, like I’d done my role as a mum and didn’t know what came next. I wanted to test my capabilities again.

I didn’t have many qualifications and genuinely thought, “I won’t be able to crack into an industry.” But I’d spent years listening to Jason and Callum talking about machines and work over dinner, and one day I just thought, I fancy a bit of this!

Q: Was it intimidating stepping into rail, especially as a woman?
Absolutely. It’s a very male-dominated industry, and I was really nervous. I had this fear in my head that I wouldn’t be any good because I’m a woman, that I’d have more to prove.

My first job in Acton really stuck with me. I was the only female on site, and I didn’t know what to expect. But I was welcomed with open arms. The team involved me, supported me, and made me feel part of the job straight away.

Looking back, that fear was all in my head. Once you’re in it, it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female. You’re just part of the team.

Q: How did your training journey begin?
With Jason’s support, I started by getting my PTS. I was so anxious. I’ve never been very academic and didn’t enjoy the classroom side of things. But I’ve always been more hands-on, and that’s where I thrive.

When I moved onto MEWP training, I was actually terrified of heights. But my QOTA trainer, Steve, made it really smooth, and after the first hour I thought, this is fine. Now I’m going up 17 metres in the air and loving it. You even get some amazing views up there.

Q: How are things at Quattro so far?
Honestly, I love it. I’m based out of the Fareham depot, and everyone has been kind and patient, especially at the beginning. It really feels like a family.

One of my proudest moments was working with a new customer recently. I was nervous because I hadn’t worked in years, but the feedback was brilliant. My depot manager, Mike Tunnicliffe and line manager Lee Matthews both contacted me to say well done. It meant so much. I’d never really had that kind of praise before. I was grinning from ear to ear.

Q: You’ve recently added new skills to your role. Can you tell us about that?
Yes. I’ve just completed training on RTM machines after being put forward by my line manager. I was really keen to do it and absolutely loved the training, especially tandem lifting.

It’s given me real ambition to turn this into a long-term career. I’m open to learning more and getting as many competencies as I can.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the job?
You can be on the same machine two days in a row, but each day is different. I love being hands-on, operating machinery, and being out on site rather than in an office.

I also love the people. I’ve settled in really well and feel like I belong. If I could, I’d work seven days a week. That’s how much I enjoy it.

Q: How has this career change impacted your life at home?
It’s funny. Now I actually understand all the rail terminology that my husband and son have been talking about for years. My daughter just rolls her eyes at the dinner table because she can’t get a word in anymore!

It’s brought a new dynamic at home, and I feel like I’m part of those conversations now.

Q: What’s next for you?
I want to keep progressing. I’ve got my eye on excavators. I want to be driving the big toys! I’ve already been asking questions and looking at the best route to get there.  This is just the start for me.

Q: What would you say to other women thinking about joining the rail industry?
Have self-belief. Know your worth. If you’ve spent years raising children and haven’t had the chance to build a career, go for it.  

It’s easy to doubt yourself, but you’re more capable than you think. Find something that gives you purpose again.  As for the male/female thing, don't feel anxious about it. There is no difference once you're on the job, you're a member of the team, the same as everyone else.  I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Lee Matthews, Contracts Manager and Natalie’s line manager, says she's 'above and beyond'.

“She’s doing exceptionally well. I’m having positive feedback from customers. She goes above and beyond. She’s always there early and never in a rush to finish a shift. She’s a great member of the team.”

Natalie's husband and fellow Quattro Op Jason says it's time to even the balance:

“It’s good. There’s definitely opportunity. A lot of guys are retiring and we need more women in rail to even the balance. But best of all, Natalie is continuing my legacy!”

Natalie's son, Callum, now an RRV operator at Quattro, admits he had his doubts at first:

“At the start I said, ‘No, you can’t do that Mum!’ But she’s proved me wrong. She seems so much happier in herself and she’s doing really well. I’m proud of her!” 

Quattro Managing Director, John Murphy says it's inspirational:

“We love having Natalie on board. Let's hope she inspires other women to switch track just like she did and join us on rail... I think it’s fair to say her MEWP operating at Quattro is well and truly on the up!”