Building a Future: Sarah’s Journey from Workshop to Permanent Role
In July 2025, Big Yellow hosted a CV and mock interview workshop for Street League participants at one of their stores, giving young people the opportunity to develop employability skills and gain insight into the workplace. The session focused on CV writing, interview preparation and building confidence while also giving participants the chance to hear directly from Big Yellow colleagues about their career journeys and experiences working for the company.
Following the workshop, participants were encouraged to apply for a 12-week paid work placement. Two young people were successful, including Sarah, who joined a store as a Sales Advisor. Reflecting on her placement, the Big Yellow Store colleagues shared:
“Over 12 weeks we had the pleasure of working with Sarah, who was referred to us via our Foundation Partner Street League. Before Sarah came in for an interview, I was given a brief description of what she could bring to the team - friendly, engaging, dedicated, interested in connecting with people, a quick learner, dependable and someone who takes pride in their work. She didn’t disappoint. Sarah has been an absolute pleasure to work with and has really thrown herself into the role. There’s nothing she won’t do around the store and she has consistently gone above and beyond for our customers.”
By the end of her placement, Sarah’s confidence and growth were clear to everyone around her. Speaking about the experience, Sarah said:
“Having the privilege to work for Big Yellow has been extraordinary. The team here has been nothing but helpful, kind and extremely supportive. I never thought I’d be more excited for my days in than my days off. I thank Street League for this opportunity and a special thanks to my manager and the team for making my days exciting and fulfilling.”
Following the success of her placement, Sarah has since secured a permanent role with Big Yellow as a Sales Advisor. When reflecting on how far she has come, Sarah spoke honestly about the personal growth she experienced during her placement.
Before joining Big Yellow, she struggled with confidence. Through the role, she developed stronger social skills, became more secure in herself and began to see new possibilities for her future.
“As a result of this placement, I’m a much more positive person,” she shared. “I woke up very happy to work within Big Yellow and I looked forward to going to work. Before the placement I felt lost, but this opportunity changed my world around.”
One of the biggest lessons she has taken from the experience has been learning to trust Herself.
“My biggest challenge has been learning to be confident in myself and my work. I remind myself that mistakes will be made and not to be hard on myself. I choose to take those mistakes and learn from them to become the best version of myself.”
Looking ahead, Sarah says the placement has completely changed the way she views her future.
“I no longer doubt myself and I believe I’m capable of anything,” she said. Her advice to anyone considering a similar opportunity is simple:
“Never doubt yourself. Big Yellow hires people for their personality rather than just their experience and shows them there’s so much more to life.”
Sarah’s journey shows the difference that access to opportunities and supportive employers can make. What started with a workshop led to a work placement and has since progressed into a permanent role
Sarah’s journey shows the difference that access to opportunities and supportive employers can make. What started with a workshop led to a work placement and has since progressed into a permanent role