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Which program did you graduate from?

Autumn Scarf ‘26. 

The seasonal program that Jesse took part in included 10 weeks of training and mentoring, paid work experience at two pop-up Scarf Dinners at Masti, and paid work experience with Scarf Partner, Tippy-Tay (Garden State Hotel).

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What was your experience of looking for work and applying for jobs before you came to Scarf?

It was disastrous! I had no work experience, so it was hard for people to hire me on the spot. When you hear no no no, it does something to you and makes you feel like you’re not worthy of a job.

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How did you find out about Scarf?

I found out through previous graduate of the Scarf program.

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The Autumn Scarf '26 trainees take a snap after a hands-on coffee training session with Fraser at Five Senses. Photo: Roger Ungers. 

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Why did you apply for the Scarf program?

I wanted to get my foot in the door of the Australian job market, and wanted to know if hospo was something I would want to do long term.

What was the best part of the program?

The best part of the program were the people - the trainees, the mentors and volunteers - they made the program. It was clear that everyone wanted to see you win!

The best part was the people... it was clear that everyone wanted to see you win!

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During Scarf Dinners at Masti, Jesse was supported by Scarf mentor David. Photo: Roger Ungers. 

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What was it like to work alongside mentors during Scarf Dinners at Masti?

It was actually nice - I was scared of the idea of it being intimidating, but it made things much easier. We learned so much from how to carry plates, taking orders - it helped us to learn on the job.

What was it like to do your work experience shifts at Tippy-Tay (Garden State Hotel)? 

I was really nervous at the beginning, but it got more and more exciting the more I did it! I was made to feel really welcome by the team at Tippy-Tay.

After having so many rejections in the past, it was great to hear yes!

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Jesse's confidence behind the bar grew immensely during the program. Photo: Laura May Grogan. 

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You recently began a job at Tippy-Tay after doing your Scarf work experience there… how did it feel to get that offer?

It was very exciting! After having so many rejections in the past, it was great to hear yes!

What makes you most excited about your role at Tippy-Tay?

The ability to learn more about hospo, and having regular work now gives me the opportunity to be more independent in other areas of my life.

What's your advice to future Scarf trainees?

My advice would be to go in with an open mind - there is so much to learn!

Inset picture: Jesse with mentor Joey, at his first work experience shift at Tippy-Tay.

Having regular work now gives me the opportunity to be more independent in other areas of my life.

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Autumn Scarf '26 graduation in May 2026. Photo: Laura May Grogan. 

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Help us create more opportunities

From 1–30 June 2026, we're raising funds so that we can create more opportunities for legends like Jesse. If we can reach our target, we'll be able to create at least 60 new trainee positions in the next year. Every donation is tax-deductible, and you can double your impact thanks to dollar-matching from some wonderful Scarf Partners. 

Donate Now   

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The Autumn Scarf '26 trainees, mentors, and Scarf team at Masti. Photo: Roger Ungers. 

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NB: Jesse answered these questions in writing, in June 2026.