Jayde Sturges joined BHP in 2016 as a Track Maintenance Trainee with our Rail team in the Pilbara.

Four years later, Jayde has become the first female rail track condition monitoring vehicle (TCMV) operator at BHP. Jayde said, “It’s exciting to be able to achieve this career goal in BHP.” “I’ve been lucky to work in such an accepting, and diversity positive team.

The crew on the machine have been great in supporting me and making this achievable.” As a track condition monitoring vehicle operator Jayde is responsible for travelling along the rail network collecting data on the condition of the track which is then used to assess the integrity of our railroad.

Jayde was working in child care when she wanted a career change. “I wanted to try something that was out of my comfort zone and would challenge me,” she said.

As for her future, “I’d like to keep working in rail.There’s always something new to learn and skills to improve on. Possibly get more development towards a leadership role.”

And her advice to others, “Don’t be scared to give it a go. Every day is different, and there are so many different areas of rail in BHP to explore.”