It probably takes longer on average to become a department manager than it does to earn a bachelors degree. There's no guarantee of a promotion. A department manager also requires high skills in a range of areas, different skills and experience compared to a graduate, but equally uncommon and deserving of compensation as a graduates skills.i think you missed the point. it seems ridiculous to me that woolworths pays their department managers the same as someone who has worked their way through uni, gained their degree, and still chosen to stay with the company.
I'm no expert on woolies, but I presume department managers undergo additional training and education?
Wages are dictated by supply and demand. Graduates aren't owed a particular wage, or even a job opportunity. If graduates don't like it, no one's forcing them to work there. Clearly woolworths have found the wage is high enough to attract enough talented applicants for all positions.