Working at Woolworths Australia
Woolworths is one of Australia's largest employers and a popular choice for teenagers looking for their first job. With over 1,000 stores across the country, there's probably a Woolies near you that's hiring. They're known for flexible hours that work around school, solid training programs, and opportunities to grow within the company.
Quick Facts
- Minimum age:
- 14 years 9 months
- Average pay (under 18):
- $13-$18/hour (varies by age)
- How to apply:
- Online at careers.woolworthsgroup.com.au
- Common teen roles:
- Trolleys, checkout, shelf stacking, online picking
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Woolworths?
Woolworths hires team members from 14 years and 9 months old. This specific age requirement applies across all states, though you may also need to meet your state's child employment laws. For example, if you're under 15 in Victoria, you'll need a Child Employment Permit before you can start.
Here's what you need to know about working at Woolworths in each state:
| State | Woolworths Min Age | State Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 14 years 9 months | Work permit required if under 15 |
| New South Wales | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
| Queensland | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
| Western Australia | 14 years 9 months | No permit required (restrictions apply under 15) |
| South Australia | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
| Tasmania | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
| ACT | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
| Northern Territory | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
Woolworths participates in the "My First Job" partnership program, which means they're specifically set up to support young workers entering employment for the first time. You don't need any prior experience to apply.
What Jobs Can Teens Do at Woolworths?
As a teenager at Woolworths, you'll start in one of the entry-level roles. The specific position you get often depends on what's available at your local store and your availability. Here are the most common roles for teen workers:
Trolley Collection
This is one of the most common starting roles for teenagers. You'll collect trolleys from the car park and return them to the store entrance. It's outdoor work, so you'll need to be comfortable in different weather conditions. The upside is that it's active and the shifts go quickly.
Checkout Operator
Working on the registers involves scanning items, handling cash and card payments, and helping customers with their shopping. You'll receive training on the POS system and customer service. This role is good if you're comfortable talking to people and want to develop your communication skills.
Shelf Stacking (Night Fill or Day Fill)
This involves restocking shelves, rotating stock, and keeping the store tidy. Night fill shifts typically start after the store closes and can run late, so check your state's working hours restrictions if you're under 15. Day fill is done during store hours and involves similar work.
Online Order Picking
With the growth of Woolworths online shopping, picking orders has become a common role. You'll use a handheld device to locate and pick items for customer orders. It's fast-paced and involves walking around the store constantly, which makes shifts go by quickly.
Once you turn 18, additional roles open up including working in the deli, bakery, meat department, and liquor section. Some team members also progress to supervisor or team leader positions.
How Much Does Woolworths Pay?
Woolworths pays according to the General Retail Industry Award. For workers under 21, pay is calculated as a percentage of the adult rate based on your age. The rates below are approximate and may vary slightly:
| Age | Weekday Rate (approx) | Weekend Rate (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | $11-$12/hour | $14-$18/hour |
| 16 years | $13-$14/hour | $16-$21/hour |
| 17 years | $15-$16/hour | $19-$24/hour |
| 18 years | $18-$19/hour | $23-$29/hour |
| 19 years | $20-$21/hour | $25-$32/hour |
| 20 years | $22-$23/hour | $28-$35/hour |
Weekend rates are higher due to penalty rates. Saturdays typically pay 125% of the base rate, and Sundays pay 150% or more. Public holidays pay even higher. If you can work weekends, you'll earn significantly more per hour.
These rates increase on 1 July each year when the minimum wage is reviewed. Woolworths also offers a team member discount card that gives you 5-10% off groceries, which can help stretch your pay further.
How to Apply for a Job at Woolworths
Woolworths uses an online application system for all positions. Here's how to apply step by step:
- Visit the Woolworths careers website - Go to careers.woolworthsgroup.com.au and look for "Store Team Member" or similar entry-level positions.
- Search for jobs near you - Enter your suburb or postcode to find stores that are currently hiring. Not all stores hire all the time, so you may need to check back regularly or apply to multiple locations.
- Create an account - You'll need to set up a candidate profile with your email address. Use an email you check regularly, as this is how they'll contact you.
- Complete the application form - Fill in your personal details, availability, and answer any screening questions. Be honest about your availability and include school hours and any regular commitments.
- Upload your resume (optional but recommended) - Even if it's your first job, having a basic resume shows initiative and can help your application stand out.
- Submit and wait - After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation email. If selected, the store will contact you within 1-2 weeks to arrange an interview.
If you haven't heard back after two weeks, it's fine to call the store and politely ask about your application. This shows genuine interest and can help your application get noticed.
Interview Tips for Woolworths
If your application is successful, you'll be invited for an interview at the store. Woolworths interviews are usually relaxed and focus on your availability and customer service skills. Here's how to prepare:
What to Wear
Dress neatly and presentably. You don't need a suit, but avoid ripped jeans, thongs, or anything too casual. Clean, tidy clothes in neutral colours work well. Think "smart casual" rather than formal.
Common Interview Questions
Woolworths interviews typically include questions like:
- Tell me about yourself and why you want to work at Woolworths
- What does good customer service mean to you?
- Describe a time you worked as part of a team
- How would you handle an unhappy customer?
- What's your availability like? Can you work weekends?
What to Bring
Bring a copy of your resume if you have one, photo ID, and something to take notes with.
Having your TFN ready (or at least applied for) is also helpful, as they'll need it when you start.
The interview usually takes about 15-30 minutes. If successful, they'll offer you the job on the spot or call you within a few days. You'll then complete paperwork and start your online training before your first shift.
Getting Started Checklist
Ready to apply for a job at Woolworths? Make sure you've got everything sorted:
- 1.Check your age - You need to be at least 14 years and 9 months old to apply. If you're close, wait until you meet the requirement.
- 2.Apply for your TFN - Do this before you get a job. It takes about a week to arrive and you'll need it when you start work.
- 3.Get your work permit (VIC only) - If you're under 15 and in Victoria, your parent will need to apply for a Child Employment Permit after you receive a job offer.
- 4.Create a basic resume - Even without work experience, include your school, any volunteer work, and your skills and interests.
- 5.Work out your availability - Think about when you can work around school and other commitments. Being available on weekends makes you more attractive to employers.
- 6.Apply online - Visit careers.woolworthsgroup.com.au and search for store team member positions near you.
- 7.Set up a bank account - If you don't have one already, open a bank account so Woolworths can pay you. Most banks offer free accounts for under-18s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Woolworths hires team members from 14 years and 9 months old. This applies to most stores across Australia, though some states have additional requirements like work permits for under-15s in Victoria.
Yes, but only if you're at least 14 years and 9 months old. Woolworths has this specific age requirement for all entry-level positions. If you're exactly 14, you'll need to wait a few months before you can apply.
Teenagers at Woolworths typically work in trolley collection, checkout, shelf stacking, and online order picking. As you gain experience and turn 18, you can move into roles like deli, bakery, or liquor (which require you to be 18+).
Pay at Woolworths is based on the General Retail Industry Award. A 15 year old earns around 40% of the adult rate, which works out to approximately $13-$14 per hour on weekdays. Weekend and public holiday rates are higher.
No, Woolworths is known for hiring people with no prior work experience. They have a comprehensive training program and their 'My First Job' partnership is specifically designed for young people entering the workforce for the first time.
Most applicants hear back within 1-2 weeks if their application is successful. During busy hiring periods (like before Christmas), it can take longer. If you haven't heard back after 2 weeks, you can call the store directly to follow up.
Last updated: December 2025. Information sourced from Information sourced from Woolworths Careers and the Fair Work Commission.. Pay rates are approximate and subject to annual reviews. Check with your local store for current openings and exact pay rates.