Young people with disabilities will be supported in having equal employment opportunities through the expansion of the Mini Woolies program in SA.

The Department for Education’s Disability Transition Program has launched two new Mini Woolies locations in Adelaide and Noarlunga.

These simulated supermarket spaces help students with disabilities develop essential skills in a retail environment, boosting students’ confidence and preparing them for life after school.

Many South Australians started their careers with a “check-out” job, and this program offers the same opportunity for participants. Classrooms, located at TAFE SA’s Adelaide City and Noarlunga campuses, have been converted into immersive supermarket environments.

These classrooms feature shelves, grocery items, food baskets, signage, and even registers, making it feel like a real supermarket.

The Mini Woolies program helps students practice skills in literacy, numeracy, communication, and customer service - skills that are important for independence and future employment.

Launched in South Australia in 2022, the program now includes over 95 sites across Australia and New Zealand, helping more than 7,100 young people with disabilities.

Enterprise Operations and Mini Woolies at Woolworths Group General Manager Sarah Corey said, We are excited to be back in South Australia and expanding our footprint of Mini Woolies sites through this partnership with the Disability Transition Program.

“We hope these new spaces will provide a unique learning experience for young people with disabilities, and we’re excited to see how it will help students build confidence and achieve their goals”, Ms Corey said.