Scarf Foundations is a free hospitality and job-readiness program designed for young people from refugee, migrant and protection-seeking backgrounds who face barriers to employment and prefer not to handle or work with alcohol. It's a fun, practical, inclusive and culturally-safe program which runs with support from many Scarf Partners. Through hands-on hospitality training, workplace readiness workshops and personalised support, participants build confidence, develop transferable skills and strengthen their employment prospects.

Like all Scarf programs, Foundations is delivered through a trauma-informed approach and is led by passionate hospitality professionals who are keen to share their skills, experience and networks.

> Our next Foundations program begins in August 2026. Register your interest here.

> Our first Foundations cohort graduated in March 2026. See more here. 

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Program Overview

Scarf Foundations runs for 10 weeks, with training taking place on weekday afternoons. Participants will complete approximately 40 hours of hands-on training and job readiness workshops across the program.

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Develop hospitality skills

Learn practical front-of-house hospitality skills, including:

• Customer service and communication
• Taking orders and serving customers
• Carrying and clearing plates safely and professionally
• Working effectively as part of a team
• Understanding hospitality workplace expectations

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Gain coffee and café experience

Participate in:

• Hands-on espresso coffee training delivered by Five Senses Coffee
• A café service and customer service skills workshop hosted by Allpress Espresso

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Build job readiness

Participants will undertake the Food Handlers Certificate with Short Courses Australia, at no cost. 

They will also take part in workshops and activities focused on:

• Australian workplace rights and responsibilities
• Resume preparation and job applications
• Interview skills and confidence building
• Workplace communication and professional behaviour
• Sexual harassment awareness, safety and reporting pathways

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Learn through industry connections

During the program, you'll meet hospitality professionals, employers and Scarf graduates who share their experiences, advice and career pathways. Participants will also have opportunities to undertake hospitality venue tours (including with Accor venues), and learn about different employment pathways within the industry.

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Receive individual support

Every trainee receives personalised wellbeing and job-readiness support throughout the program, helping them identify goals, prepare for work and navigate their next steps into employment, education or training.

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Why do the Foundations program?

Here is some direct feedback from the young people who undertook our first Foundations program:

“Over all everything was perfect but I enjoyed the interview session the most. It somehow brought my confidence back.”

“[I would recommend this program to others] because Scarf is full of things that a new learner should know. Besides the work skills which are important, knowing what Australian business industry requires is also important. Also knowing about their [work] rights.”

“The program was helpful because it showed me some practical things and it really gave me confidence and improved my understanding on what it’s like to work in a real job.”

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Who can apply?

Scarf Foundations is open to young people who:

• Are aged 18–28 years old (we can sometimes make exceptions to the age range)
• Are from refugee, migrant or protection-seeking backgrounds
• Face barriers to employment
• Keen to do a Scarf program, but prefer not to work with or handle alcohol
• Are motivated to build skills, knowledge and confidence
• Have a goal to be employed within 12 months 
  
  

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Sounds good?

Our next Foundations intake begins in July 2026, with training taking place weekly on weekday afternoons from August - October 2026.

If you'd like to be considered for the program, we'd love to hear from you. 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.

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 Register my interest

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