The Mint Training program, Spring into Hospitality, will provide 40 residents within the Laverton, Heathdale, Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood Renewal area with opportunities for a career in hospitality.

Those involved will either be trained at Mint's training facilities at Southbank or receive on-the-job-training at major hospitality venues.

Some of the refugees now studying at the Laverton Community Centre are expected to take part.

Centre spokesman Michael Pernar said he applauded the state government's initiative to train people who were facing employment challenges in the western suburbs.

The course is expected to take nine to 12 months before graduates are placed in full-time work.

Graduates will be awarded a certificate III in hospitality.

Altona state MP Jill Hennessy said the program was a win for people with barriers to employment and for some sectors of the hospitality industry that were dealing with staff shortages.

"It's also a win for the community, which will benefit from the productivity of these people.

"By linking areas of skills shortage with appropriate training we will increase the employability of those who need it most, but we will do it by generating skills demanded by industry rather than job-specific skills.

"Victoria has an ageing demographic profile and a shortage of skills in particular industries.

"Promoting skills and workforce participation programs provides opportunity and productivity for all," Ms Hennessy said.

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