By Siobhan Clarke
The Mini Woolies program was established in 2018 so students with disabilities are able to learn retail skills in the practical environment of a simulated Woolworths store.
Since the program started, it has now assisted over 8100 students in studying retail.
The course is targeted towards high school students aiming to gain both their Certificate I and II in Retail Services, preparing them for the transition into the workforce.
The initiative has become an important collaboration for Woolworths with many who complete the program being offered a job directly.
“Mini Woolies is committed to fostering a smoother transition from education to employment for young people with disabilities through our Work Experience Program,” said Woolworths.
Max May is one of the students at the Ultimo campus.
“When I came to TAFE, I found out how you stock things, where to put things, and how to read the tags,” said May. “It’s just helped me.”
The Ultimo TAFE Mini Woolies campus opened in September 2025, the ninth Mini Woolies on a TAFE NSW campus, and in its first year has had major successes in student education and employment.
Many of the students in the class already have part-time jobs such as fast food and clothing retail. The Mini Woolies are helping build their skills in customer service, point of sale transactions, and engaging with stock.
Mia Graziano is another student at TAFE Ultimo.
“I found out about the Mini Woolies through my career’s advisor at school, she recommended that I do this course,” said Graziano.
“It’s helped me develop my confidence in retail skills such as serving customers.”
The Mini Woolies program has been internationally successful with over 100 facilities across both Australia and New Zealand.
The facility functions like an actual Woolworths store with the Ultimo campus having two working point-of-sale machines, a shelf stocked with grocery items, and a produce display with apples, nectarines and bananas.
The students use these features of the Mini Woolies to extend their proficiency in visual merchandising, knowledge of work, health and safety practices, and problem solving.
Student Anne Moreira said: “What I like about retail is that we are learning about the topics that would be covered [in the Woolworths store].”
For many of the students, it’s unanimously agreed that their favourite feature is the point-of-sales machines.
“My favourite feature is the register and getting to be able to do the practical work,” Graziano said.
Moreira agreed: “My favourite part is the registers, and I like talking to customers.”
This practical approach to learning crucial in developing real-world skills, particularly for those wanting a career in retail after they finish the course.
“I’ve always wanted to work at a Woolworths, so working at a Mini Woolies is getting me ready for working there,” said May.
Featured image: Mia Graziano and Anne Moreira using the registers at Ultimo’s Mini Woolies. Photo: Siobhan Clarke
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.
