Creating pathways through hospitality

A woman with short blonde hair wearing a black shirt and denim apron is pouring milk into a coffee cup at a counter in a coffee shop.

Social Engine Kitchen assists young people to enter the workforce through paid work experience and gain the skills needed to secure real jobs in the hospitality sector. We are passionate about seeing young people who are interested in the hospitality and cafe industry given the necessary knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

We currently operate four kitchens throughout Melbourne:

  • Swinburne Uni (Croydon and Wantirna)

  • Ak Lines Watsonia

  • Werribee RRRC

With every sip of our specialty coffee or order from our menu, you’re giving an opportunity for young people to learn the skills they need to thrive. You’re not just enjoying delicious food, you’re empowering futures.

If you’d like to learn more or find out how you can be involved in changing the lives of young people, head to our Contact Us page

Social Engine Kitchen “gives young people a second chance to break the disengaging cycle they live in, believe in their potential, make positive changes, and start a new life.” - Paul Coory, General Manager | Head of Retail & Catering

  • When Josh joined the Hospitality Program, he was anxious and avoided customer interactions, staying behind the scenes. With step-by-step mentoring, he built confidence and gradually moved into customer-facing roles. Today, Josh thrives in the fast-paced canteen environment and says: “I feel like a phoenix rising from the ashes of anxiety.” His story highlights how structured, supportive employment helps disengaged young people rebuild courage and transferable skills.

    Josh - Overcoming Anxiety in Hospitality

  • Francis had some prior hospitality experience but struggled with confidence and decision-making. At Social Engine, he gained practical skills and support from mentors that encouraged him to take initiative and engage with customers. He now has clear goals and is preparing to start a Certificate III in Hospitality. Francis reflects: “I feel like I have grown on the inside and am excited about my future opportunities.” His progress illustrates how employment programs empower young people to set goals and pursue brighter futures.

    Francis - Growing Into His Future

A young man wearing a black t-shirt and denim apron holding a tray of assorted sandwiches inside a store or deli.
Woman preparing sandwiches with sliced bread, cheese, and ham in a kitchen.
A woman with glasses behind a counter, reaching for something, with a stack of papers and a small potted cactus in front of her, in a restaurant or cafe setting.
Two women wearing denim aprons standing behind a bakery counter, smiling, with baked goods visible on the right side.
A young man with short hair, wearing a black shirt and a blue apron, holding a cup of latte with latte art, standing in front of a refrigerator and a sign labeled 'Social Engine Kitc'.”}
A young man with short dark hair, wearing a black T-shirt and gloves, is holding a wrapped sandwich or burrito and standing next to a counter with cooked sandwiches or sliders in a deli or restaurant. The man is smiling, and behind him are trays of s
A woman with light, blond hair working in a kitchen, standing behind a counter with stacked black cups and glassware, with safety equipment and kitchen appliances in the background.
Person holding a black mug under a coffee machine's steam wand.
A young man in a black T-shirt and apron holding a tray of assorted sandwiches in a kitchen setting.
Two smiling women standing behind a food stand, one with black hair and the other with blonde hair tied up, in front of a menu board and snack shelves.
A female cashier with glasses working behind the counter in a coffee shop, with various snacks and drinks on the counter, including packets of chocolate, a box of tea bags, and cups labeled for different sizes.
Two people, a woman and a man, are standing inside a small café or shop, looking at a point-of-sale screen. The woman has shoulder-length brown hair and is wearing a gray shirt with a graphic design, and the man has black hair and is wearing a black
A man wearing a blue apron and gloves standing behind boxes of assorted desserts, including cupcakes and fruit cups, in a warehouse or storage area.
A person with yellow hair and glasses preparing sandwiches in a kitchen or cafeteria setting.