By Ben Soltau
Behind closed doors, simulated versions of miniature Woolworths stores are helping youth with disabilities gain valuable experience in the retail section.
In 2018, Woolworths Group Technology Director Patrick Misciagna conceived the idea of Mini Woolies while attending Father’s Day breakfast at his daughter’s school.
Mini Woolies is a program hosted by TAFE and sponsored by Woolworths and their tech partner, Fujitsu, which aims to teach youth with disabilities confidence and life skills.
It has been tremendously successful, with 127 sites across the country and over 9000 young people attending in only eight years.
“I have fun,” said Matthew, a student at the TAFE Ultimo Mini Woolies. “I feel happy, and I feel like the environment is like a real shop.”
The students at the store were very confident and happy to be interviewed, they constantly reiterated their enjoyment of the program, learning while having fun.
“We work the register and we pack the shelves a bit,” said Matthew.
“We take some of the groceries off, and then we might put them in a bag and practice with them here, and maybe scan them,” said Alexander, another student at Mini Woolies Ultimo.
“I think this program makes me feel pretty good, especially when we do the pracs because the pracs are really fun and they teach you how to get a job in real life, in a retail store for example like Woolworths or Coles.
“It really just helps you with skills.”
Many students from the course end up taking work placements in real life at retail stores such as Woolworths, quite a few of the students at Ultimo spoke about wanting to do the same.
“I would recommend this program to other people, especially to those who really like doing prac and those who find learning different topics in retail really fun,” said Alexander. “I’d say it’s exciting, surprising, and has good detail.”
The students get Thursday off school to learn about real-world work skills to prepare them for real life, regardless of the barriers impeding them from success.
They learn practical, hands-on work abilities, along with developing their social and communicative skills, and increasing their confidence and intelligence.
The course is designed to allow a smooth transition from education to the workforce for those who need it, and they are always looking for more people to participate.
Sign your child up at tafensw.edu.au.
Featured image: The students of Mini Woolies Ultimo. Photo: Ben Soltau
Listen to this story and much more by catching the Try TAFE show which will stream on TAFE Radio from 10am to 3pm today, September 10.
