The urgent call to break down systemic barriers for women in male-dominated industries is louder than ever. In the UK, less than 10% of forklift truck drivers are women, but two determined single mums from Wrexham are setting out to change that statistic.
Kirsty (30) and Zaoni (26) are defying the odds, training as forklift truck operators despite facing significant personal and professional challenges. Their goal? To inspire other women to explore careers in logistics and warehousing—fields that have traditionally been closed off to them.
Kirsty’s journey has been anything but easy. After leaving school at 15 due to an unplanned pregnancy, she spent years overcoming personal struggles, including substance abuse and an abusive relationship. Now, she is determined to build a better future for her two children. “There aren’t many roles that I would describe as single-parent friendly,” she explains. “Most opportunities would mean spending most of my salary on childcare. The process of finding suitable work has been daunting, but I’m determined to succeed for myself and my children.”
Zaoni’s experience mirrors Kirsty’s. Leaving full-time education at 13 also after an unplanned pregnancy, she has struggled to find support. “There has been very little help for someone in my situation,” she says. “But today, I am more determined than ever to show my little boy that I can make something of myself and be an inspiration to him.”
With the support of Caia Park Partnership, a community-led organisation in Wrexham, both women have enrolled in a fully funded Forklift Truck Operators training course at the North East Wales Skills Academy on the Wrexham Industrial Estate. They are now on track to becoming fully qualified FLT operators.
Shauni Thomas and Daniel Skimmings, Community Engagement Workers at Caia Park Partnership, both praise Kirsty and Zaoni’s determination to succeed, with Shauni saying: “I am incredibly proud of these young women. They are not only an inspiration to their children but also to many other women who want to challenge traditional gender roles. Watching and supporting them as they seek to improve their lives is truly rewarding.”
The North East Wales Skills Academy is a pioneering initiative funded by the UK Government in partnership with Wrexham County Council. It aims to empower local individuals, strengthen communities, and contribute to the region’s economic revitalisation. Founder Julian Hughes highlights the significance of Kirsty and Zaoni’s achievements: “These two women are incredibly inspiring. The logistics industry is booming, and skilled FLT drivers are in high demand. This career path offers stability and growth, which is exactly what they need at this stage in their lives. We are excited to support them on their journey forward.”
As they prepare to step into a traditionally male-dominated field, Kirsty and Zaoni are proving that women can thrive in logistics. Their story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of breaking barriers.
