Women In Construction Week: Kelly Smith, Intelligent Dozer Operator

06 Mar 2023

This Women In Construction Week, we’ve been talking to women across our business about their routes into construction, what they love about their jobs, and their tips for entering the industry.

Women In Construction Week Interview: Kelly Smith, Intelligent Dozer Operator

Just four years ago, Kelly was working in an office. She’s since become the first woman in the region to qualify as a dozer operator, as well as being experienced with an Articulated Dump Truck (ADT) and roller.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I love being outside, especially being with horses. I have horses of my own and practice natural horsemanship. If I didn’t have to work, I’d open a centre for disabled children and work with therapy horses.

How did you get into the construction industry?

I used to work in a call centre, managing and coaching new recruits. I found it monotonous and non-stop (I was answering emails at night), so I decided it wasn’t for me.

Katie Harper encouraged me to try out site work at McAuliffe, and I haven’t looked back – best decision I ever made. 

What do you like most about your job?

There is no weekend work, though the day starts early and – in summer especially – the working day may be long, lasting until 6pm.

I love being outdoors, and I like seeing the daylight and noticing the change in seasons.

On the bulldozer, there is always something to do. I like keeping busy, and I like that I am doing my own thing, not being watched over the shoulder!

Do you have any tips for women considering a career in the industry?

Just go for it. What have you got to lose? I never had any experience of being on a site, so I had no idea what it entailed.

In my experience, it is not a sexist industry. Quite the opposite. The men I work with are helpful and I feel encouraged by my peers.