At Scarf, we run a range of free programs for young people facing barriers to employment, which you can find out more about below. If you're a young person from a protection-seeking, refugee or migrant background who wants to learn about hospitality, you fit Scarf's eligibility criteria, and you're keen to take part in any Scarf program in the future, please take five minutes to share some details with us, and a friendly Scarf team member will be in touch with you soon! 

 Sign me up

Our next seasonal program will be Winter Scarf '26, beginning in late June 2026. Find out more about this program here!

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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

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10-week Seasonal Program

Trainee positions: 8 - 10 

Every year we run three 10-week Seasonal Programs (Autumn, Winter and Spring) which include weekly training sessions, the opportunity to work at two Scarf Events (where trainees are supported by hospitality mentors), and undertake work experience in one of Scarf's partner venues. Trainees are paid Restaurant Industry Award wages for their work during Scarf Events and partner work experience shifts, creating plenty of real work experience which can be added to a resume! After 10 weeks of training, mentoring and work experience, trainees are offered up to six months of post-program support with a focus on Wellbeing and Job-Readiness.

Find out more about Scarf's 10-week Seasonal Programs.

Applications for our next seasonal program, Winter Scarf '26, starting late June, are now open. Register your interest here.

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Scarf Foundations

Trainee positions: 10+

Scarf Foundations is a new hospitality and job-readiness program designed specifically for young people who prefer not to handle or work with alcohol. Participants build skills in customer service, coffee-making, cafe service, POS systems, resumé writing and interview practice, in an inclusive, culturally safe, and completely alcohol-free environment. The program also includes behind-the-scenes venue tours (including with Accor venues like Pullman Melbourne Albert Park), certificate training (Food Handling certification through Short Courses Australia) as well as tailored wellbeing and job-seeking support.

Our first Foundations cohort graduated in March 2026. Our next Foundations program intake will be in July-August 2026. Register your interest.
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Skill Up with Scarf 

Trainee positions: 12 - 16 

Skill Up with Scarf is a three-day short course allowing participants to learn basic hospitality skills and job pathways in a specific area, like coffee, bar or hotels. It's designed so that participants can grow their knowledge of the hospitality industry in Melbourne, and get ready to launch into employment thanks to awesome, practical job readiness workshops and valuable training. 

The Skill Up with Scarf program is currently undergoing some changes and will re-launch in late 2026. Register your interest.

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If you're keen to join a Scarf Program in 2026 (even if you're not sure which one!), please use this form to share your details: 

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 Sign me up

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Can you help us get more programs off the ground?

We currently seeking support to help us increase trainee numbers to meet growing demand. Can you help? Make a tax-deductible donation here. 

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