At MOB Academy, we’re all about preparing young men for life after school, giving them the tools, experiences and confidence to take their next step. One of the strongest examples of this in action has been our growing partnership with Woolworths.
Since Woolworths came along to our Murra Pathways event last term, the connection has gone from strength to strength. Together, we’ve created 26 interview opportunities for our students, with 14 boys already securing jobs across local stores. For many, it’s their first taste of employment — a chance to earn money, build independence and start shaping their future.
For Jacqui Ponsonby, Talent Acquisition Advisor for Woolworths, MOB stood out right from the beginning.
“What particularly stood out to me was their emphasis on practical, hands-on learning coupled with a strong focus on community building,” Jacqui said. “It was clear that MOB Academy isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about fostering a supportive environment where individuals can thrive and apply their skills in real-world scenarios.”
Jacqui explained that Woolworths saw real value in engaging with MOB, not only to strengthen community ties but also to better understand the needs and aspirations of First Nations young people. That understanding, she says, helps Woolworths design programs and opportunities that are meaningful and culturally relevant.
On the ground, the results have been clear. At Southport Park Woolworths, Store Manager Nicole Jurgens has welcomed MOB student Jake H into her team. She says Jake has settled in exceptionally well.
“He’s eager, reliable, always willing to learn, and responds well to feedback,” Nicole said. “Watching him come out of his shell and grow in confidence over the past few weeks has been a real highlight.”
Nicole also shared that Jake’s professionalism and eagerness stand out compared to other young recruits, and she hopes to see more MOB boys coming through in the future.
Back at MOB, our Pathways team has seen the wider impact of the partnership. Ricardo Parata says Woolworths has given the boys an important bridge between school and the workforce — especially for those still figuring out their long-term plans.
“It has allowed us to provide genuine part-time employment for boys who are unsure of their long-term plans,” Ricardo explained. “This way, they can still experience all the positives of earning and working while developing their passions at MOB, without the pressure of making a rushed decision.”
He says the feedback from both sides has been nothing but positive. Managers describe the boys as polite, respectful and eager, while the students themselves have said how supportive Woolworths has been throughout the process.
“They’ve told us how kind and helpful everyone has been, and that the interview process felt casual and non-stressful,” Ricardo said.
Flexibility has been another big plus. With Woolworths offering a variety of shifts and departments, students are able to balance work with school, and even try different roles to see where they fit best. For Ricardo, the highlight has been seeing Woolworths respond so quickly and positively to every request.
“The fact that Woolworths are still replying so quickly even though we’ve sent a thousand email requests — that’s been the real highlight for me!” he laughed.
Looking ahead, Ricardo says the priority is simple: keeping strong communication lines with the right people in the right positions — exactly as the partnership works now.
In just a few short months, this partnership has already changed lives. Fourteen MOB boys now have jobs, dozens more have gained interview experience and confidence, and Woolworths has welcomed motivated, respectful young men into its teams.
It shows what’s possible when community, schools and employers come together: doors open, opportunities grow, and our young men get the chance to succeed. Beyond the jobs themselves, the experience is building confidence, teaching new skills, and showing our boys that big companies like Woolworths are not only accessible but genuinely invested in their success.
We’re so grateful to Jacqui, Nicole, Megan and the wider Woolworths team for backing our boys, taking the time to guide them, and creating real opportunities for their futures. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to see where the partnership goes from here.
👉 If you’re an employer looking to support our young men, please get in touch with our Pathways Team at people@menofbusiness.com.au
