The I Love Hospitality program, a five-week course, provides guidance from industry experts and guest celebrity chefs. On completion participants get certificate II in hospitality, level II first aid and apprenticeship opportunities.

Youth Projects chairwoman Melanie Raymond said the course would give young people "a taste of what it's really like behind the burners of commercial kitchens".

"We want to attract young people excited by food and cooking and give them the skills and support to hopefully become one of Melbourne's next great chefs."

The group will visit professional kitchens and meet expert Melbourne chefs and also have the chance to work in a full-scale industrial kitchen.

The course began on March 29, but there are still some places left. Those interested should phone 93049100 or email lizaw@youthprojects.net

Youth Projects is a not-for-profit organisation that has been providing training and employment programs and drug and alcohol support services to disadvantaged youths for more than 25 years.