What to Expect in Your First Job at Woolworths
Starting a first job is a big milestone and at Woolworths, it’s more than just a job. It’s a chance to build confidence, learn valuable life skills, and feel part of a team that genuinely cares.
What to Expect in Your First Job at Woolworths
Woolworths has been the starting point for thousands of young Australians and continues to be a supportive first step into working life.
Whether your young person is applying for a seasonal role or hoping to stay on longer-term, here’s what you can expect and what’s expected in their first role at Woolworths.
Extra Perks and Support for Woolworths Team Members
Woolworths looks after its people, including those just starting out.
Perks & Benefits for Young Workers
Woolworths supports team members with more than just a payslip:
- Everyday Rewards Plus: Team members and their parents/carers can access discounts at Woolworths, Big W, Petstock, and more.
- Sonder: 24/7 confidential support app offering wellbeing, medical, and safety assistance for team members and their families.
- Free snacks and fresh fruit: Available in the team lunchroom.
- Virtual Reality (VR) training: Helps new team members build confidence before they start through interactive, real-life scenarios.
Safety, Supervision & After-Hours Support
- Supervision: Young team members are supported by Department Managers, Store Leaders, and Buddies during every shift.
- Safe workplaces: Woolworths prioritises safety, including secure environments after dark.
- Transport: If you are rostered to finish as late as 9:30pm, it’s important to have a transport plan in place.
Comfort and Confidence at Work
- Free fruit and snacks in lunch rooms to keep energy levels up
- VR Training modules to help prepare for real-life situations like customer service and store safety
Rosters, Hours & Availability
Woolworths uses an internal platform called WorkJam to manage rosters, shift availability, team communication, and updates. Team members are expected to download and use WorkJam regularly. Rosters are posted fortnightly.
Uniform and Presentation
Woolworths provides team members with a free uniform, but this is ordered after hiring to match their size. Until it arrives, they can wear a plain black, green or white polo or t-shirt.
Bottoms
- Team members wear their own bottoms. Black or dark jeans, pants, knee-length shorts or skirts are all fine. Ripped jeans, activewear or leggings aren’t suitable.
Footwear
- Shoes must be enclosed at the heel and toe with non-slip soles. Any colour is allowed, and safety boots will be provided if required for the role.
Fresh service and food safety
- Hair must be tied back neatly, and in Fresh Food departments, covered with a Woolworths cap or hairnet. Only minimal jewellery is allowed.
Starting a first job is a big milestone and at Woolworths, it’s more than just a job. It’s a chance to build confidence, learn valuable life skills, and feel part of a team that genuinely cares.
FAQs for Parents and Carers
-
Most roles begin in October and run through to January, aligning with the busy retail period over summer and the school holidays.
-
Yes, depending on store needs and team performance, there may be opportunities to stay on casually during the school year.
-
The more availability the better. Most after-school shifts begin around 4pm and finish between 9–9:30pm.
-
Yes, Woolworths is especially busy around Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and throughout January. These dates are considered peak trading periods.
-
Yes, availability is submitted via the WorkJam app. Team members can update their availability in advance, so holidays can be blocked out if known early.
-
Rosters are posted fortnightly via the WorkJam app, Woolworths’ internal communications platform. Team members should download and check the app regularly.
-
Three hours is the minimum shift length. Most after-school shifts are around 3–5 hours. Weekend shifts may be longer, especially as team members build experience or are trained across multiple departments.
-
On average, 15–18 year olds work 3–4 shifts per week. This can vary depending on store requirements and their availability.
-
While there’s no set minimum guaranteed (as it’s a casual role), team members should ideally be available for at least one weekend shift and 2–3 weekday evenings.
-
Your first point of contact should be the Store Manager or Assistant Manager.
-
Uniforms are ordered after hire and matched to the team member’s sizing. In the meantime, new starters can wear a plain black, green or white polo or t-shirt.
-
Jeans, pants, skirts or knee-length shorts are all acceptable, as long as they are black or dark coloured. Activewear and ripped items are not suitable.
-
Team members must wear enclosed shoes with non-slip soles for safety, any colour is fine. If the role requires it (e.g. in Fresh departments), safety boots may be provided.
-
This depends on the store. Most stores require phones to be stored in lockers. The RF device team members use on shift is important for safety.
-
Yes, training is provided and is paid. It includes interactive VR modules and in-store onboarding, plus shadowing experienced team members.
-
They’ll receive special training to meet food safety rules, this includes wearing hairnets or caps, no loose items like pins or fake lashes, and only minimal jewellery. These measures are important for food safety and are well supported by team leaders.
Related resources
Taking a sick day is a normal part of working life- here’s what you need to know.
Managing your availability for work is part of your responsibility as an employee.
If you find yourself running late for work, handling the situation responsibly and professionally is essential.
