Woolworths has opened a new mini store in Perth to help students prepare for the outside world.
The Mini Woolies opened at Kensington Secondary School on August 24 is not a trading store but a simulated supermarket that serves as a learning space for young Australians with disabilities.
The Kensington Mini Woolies was the third site to be opened last week, with stores opening at Avonvale Support School in Northam on Tuesday and Riverton Support School on Wednesday.
Two sites were launched in Cannington and Balga last year and two in Kalgoorlie and Albany in July. There are more than 45 sites across Australia.
Each Mini Woolies store simulates the operations of an actual Woolworths supermarket, with baskets for fresh food, shelving for groceries, ticketing, signage and Woolworths branded uniforms students can wear to create an immersive educational experience.
Students can also learn to scan grocery items at the register and handle play money when they process sales.
Kensington Secondary School principal Cran Crollis said it would enrich learning opportunities at the school.
“This is a marvellous opportunity for our students to gain the skills and experience they need for when they leave school,” he said.
Woolworths Group general manager of enterprise operations and Mini Woolies Sarah Corey said the sites would help students gain independence and develop new skills.
“We launched the first two Mini Woolies in WA last year and, having seen firsthand the passion and creativity of students and staff at our other stores, we look forward to seeing how the community uses them,” she said.