About Scarf

Scarf is a not-for-profit social enterprise which transforms lives through hospitality. Since 2010, we’ve been running hands-on hospitality training, mentoring and paid work experience programs in Melbourne restaurants.

We work closely with the community sector and the hospitality industry to make employment more equitable for young people facing barriers to work. Scarf trainees are keen, resilient young people seeking protection, and those from refugee and migrant backgrounds who have little or no work experience in Australia.

 Scarf Dinners and events are a positive, supportive environment where participants thrive and gain real-world experience. Scarf graduates are part of a unique learning community and move on to jobs with new-found confidence, skills, knowledge and networks.

“Scarf was the lighthouse
for my life.”

Scarf Graduate

Quick Scarf Facts

*current at January 2025

- 14 years and 42 programs
- 359 graduate trainees
- 94% trainee retention
- 12,522 hours of paid work experience
- $330,000 paid to trainees in award wages
- 24,600 hours of industry training
- 289 Scarf Dinners and events in 45 partner restaurants
- 20,236 diners served
- 72% graduates in employment*

*within six months of completing the program. Scarf graduates move on to great jobs at Melbourne businesses including Stomping Ground Brewery & Beer Hall, Pullman Hotel, Capitano, Pastuso, Mjølner, Mount Zero Olives, Garden State Hotel, IDES, Bodriggy Brewing Co, Free to Feed, Siglo, Vertue Coffee, Attica, Sofitel on Collins, Moor’s Head and Bibendum Wine Co.

Why does Scarf exist?

Humanitarian migrants face unemployment rates of up to 43% compared to the national average of around 4%. Barriers to employment for young people from asylum seeker, refugee and migrant backgrounds are complex, and a nuanced approach is needed to ensure the best possible outcomes. Employment barriers include limited English, lack of Australian work experience and lack of local references, impacts of past trauma on health and wellbeing, low confidence and discrimination. Scarf has been working hard to break down these barriers for close to 15 years.

Find out more about Scarf on our website.