Growing up in New Zealand, Sophie Orupe's family connections to the warehousing industry drew her towards a career very few women join.

"I think I just followed suit after my mum and dad, who were also in warehousing, and my three brothers all being truckies," she said.

Forklift driving was Sophie's calling instead.

"It's always been my main goal — I've always wanted to try and drive the forklift and beat my dad, which I think I have achieved," she said.

For 13 years now, Sophie has been a forklift driver in Western Sydney. Over that time, she has remained just one of a handful of women she knows in the role.

"Over here in Australia, there's few of us doing this work," she said.

Consequences of a gender skew

Forklift drivers are listed as an in-demand role in the NSW skills demand d

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