Every year, we run three 10-week Seasonal Programs - Autumn Scarf, Winter Scarf and Spring Scarf. Each program provides 8–10 front of house trainee positions for young people who are keen to get a start in hospitality. Participating in Scarf programs is completely free.

.

If you have any questions about program structure, program dates or trainee eligibility, please contact Neil Baxendale, Scarf's Program and Wellbeing Manager - [email protected] / 0479 038 240.

.

Our next 10-week Seasonal Program is Winter Scarf '26 starting in mid-June. More information about Winter Scarf '26 is here. If you would like to be part of any Scarf program in 2026, please click the button below to share your details, and you'll hear from a friendly Scarf team member soon.

.

 Register my interest

.

2019 Scarf Graduate Ngot, now a Duty Manager at Bodriggy Brewing Company, shares his experience of participating in Scarf's 10-week Seasonal Program. Video: Roger That Pictures, made with support from Bank Australia.

.

During a Seasonal Program, trainees engage in weekly training sessions (spanning hands-on hospitality training and practical job readiness skills). Trainees also have the opportunity to work at two Scarf Dinners, during which they are supported by hospitality mentors whilst gaining paid work experience.

Trainees are paid Restaurant Industry Award wages (and superannuation) for their work during any Scarf Dinner or event. Trainees undertaking the seasonal program also engage in paid work experience with some of Scarf's wonderful partner venues, greatly increasing their Melbourne hospitality experience and networks. 

After 10 weeks of training, mentoring and work experience, program graduates are offered up to six months of post-program support with a focus on Wellbeing and Job-Readiness.

.

During Scarf's 10-week Seasonal Program, participants will undertake training including:

• Learn to take orders and serve customers in a busy restaurant
• Learn to carry and clear 3 plates
• Learn to become more confident in customer service
• Undertake a fun-packed, hands-on coffee training with Five Senses Coffee
• Wine education session focussing on flavour profiles + how to serve wine
• Introductory bar and cocktail training with Starward
• Learn how to use an industry-standard Bookings system and Point of Sale (POS) / payment system (OpenTable and Square)
• Receive assistance with writing a resume and applying for jobs
• Practice interview skills with real hospitality managers in a fun round-robin interview session which ends with a confidence-building feedback session 
• Job readiness workshop on 'Understanding Work Rights & Responsibilities in Australia' (including information about casual, part-time and full-time employment, award wages and the role of Fair Work)
• Sexual harassment training including what constitutes harassment in the workplace, how to ask for help, essential resources and avenues for reporting 
• Go on behind the scenes tours of some of Melbourne's most popular hospitality venues such as Stomping Ground Beer Hall, Garden State Hotel and Pullman Melbourne Albert Park 
• Complete their RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certification for free thanks to Short Courses Australia
• Receive one-on-one Wellbeing and Job Readiness support, with a strong focus on finding employment in the Melbourne hospitality industry

    

..

.

.

Cover image: Winter Scarf '23 trainees, mentors and Scarf team at Molly Rose. Photo: Roger Ungers