For Iraqi refugee Bassam Mansoor, who has a Masters degree in Physics, pulling beers at a Sydney bar is the first step towards a brighter future.
Before he fled Mosul with his wife and children, the 39-year-old worked at a university, but finding his first job in Australia, with little English and no qualifications recognised in Australia, meant he had to begin again.
He is one of 12 refugee graduates of a four-week hospitality course, backed by Clubs NSW, which aims to improve the employment prospects of new Australians.
"I check that website of Seek, and you need some experience and certificate, and now I have certificate. I can work in more places," Mr Mansoor said.
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Professor Peter Shergold, from NSW Refugee Resettlement, says the new graduates are grateful to receive their first opportunity in Australia, despite the fact it does mean starting again at entry level.
“When refugees come here, they don't want to live off welfare,” he said.
“They want to get on their own feet again, and that means getting their children into education, and for themselves, getting a first job."
Clubs NSW Chairman Peter Newell hopes to see employers embrace similar programs nationally.
"It's a win- win, it gives clubs an opportunity to employ very good staff, highly motivated staff with training, and gives the staff a leg-up to who knows where," he said.
Mr Mansoor hopes his new job will give him a chance to improve his English and one day study to teach again.
"At first, I feel that maybe life it's maybe its hard because its different society, different language, but now I am excited I am happy," he said.
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