New life skills on aisle one

Students at Dianella Secondary College Education Support Centre are getting a hands-on learning experience at their new Mini Woolies.

Mini Woolies is an educational learning experience created by Woolworths Group and Fujitsu and simulates the operations of an actual supermarket.

The aim of the program is to support students with disabilities and to help build successful career pathways.  

The converted classroom has shopping baskets, shelves for groceries, ticketing, signage, fake money, Woolworths branded uniforms and two registers. 

Education Support Centre Principal, Julie Allsopp, said she was proud to provide this valuable opportunity to the students. 

“We are excited to offer this engaging learning environment that fosters independence and supports students in exploring post-school pathways,” she said. 

“The Mini Woolies provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in a retail setting. 

“This space is used across the entire school, enabling students to strengthen their numeracy, literacy, and communication skills."

Year 10 student Krystal Pilbeam is excited to take part in the Mini Woolies program. 

“It is very cool to have a Mini Woolies at school. It has been lots of fun using the cash register,” she said. 

Krystal said she would like to assist the customers that come into the store. 

Mohammad Qureshi, also a Year 10 student, is equally excited to be involved with the program. 

“It has been an honour to not only have the Mini Woolies at Dianella Secondary College Education Support Centre, but also be a part of everything,” he said.  

“I loved everything about it, especially the registers.” 

Ms Allsopp said she’s excited to see the growth of the students and how the program will inspire and empower them. 

“As students prepare for life beyond school, this program will significantly enhance their independence and work readiness, equipping them for future success, particularly during work experience placements,” she said. 

Dianella Secondary College Education Support Centre joins several other schools across the state providing the unique learning experience to students. 

More information about the Mini Woolies sites is on the Woolworth’s website¹.