Unlocking employment with The Pret Foundation – Success stories from Homewards Lambeth 

After joining the Homewards Activator Partnership following launch in 2023, The Pret Foundation committed to expanding their long-standing Rising Stars Programme – and we’re seeing the impact of this commitment in Lambeth today.

The charitable arm of Pret A Manger, The Pret Foundation’s Rising Stars programme helps break the cycle of homelessness by providing support, training and employment through Pret stores across the country to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

This year, Homewards Lambeth Coalition members The Pret Foundation, the Department for Work and Pensions and Lambeth College joined forces to successfully pilot a project supporting young people in Lambeth into the Pret Rising Stars programme.

Following launch in April, this pilot has already received 26 applications from Lambeth based young adults aged 18-24 who are at risk of homelessness. Following successful trials, 11 placements were offered. We spoke to two of these successful candidates who attended the training at Lambeth College and were offered placement in Pret A Manger stores in Lambeth, as supported through The Pret Foundation’s Rising Stars Programme.

How did you first hear about getting involved with The Pret Foundation’s Rising Stars programme at Lambeth College?

Karim: I got a message from my work coach saying something about Pret A Manger, and didn’t know what it was initially. To be honest, I didn’t like coffee, but then I looked at like the leaflet and what they were advocating for and I liked the fact that they are trying to help 19 to 24 years old – that’s when you’re really struggling trying to find your place. Hearing about that amount of support that you would get made me sign up for it.

Nzinga: I had just left university and was struggling to find a job, so I decided to apply for Universal Credit as I had heard they offered endless opportunities for young adults in need. I was with them for a couple of months and had attended a few meetings with similar opportunities, but the Rising Stars programme was something that stood out to me. I attended an informative discussion about what Rising Stars was and the process of the project. I thought it would be a good opportunity for me — even if I didn’t get the job. Looking back, my decision to participate has benefited me immensely, and I’m truly grateful to Universal Credit and the Rising Stars programme for giving me this chance to learn, grow, and develop my abilities within society.

How did you feel arriving on your first day of training at Lambeth College? Did you feel different at the end of day, if so, why?  

Karim: When I entered the college, I thought that I’ll just learn about how to brew your coffee. But after the day ended with the course, I had learned about all things customer service, hospitality, manners, and culture.

Nzinga: The feeling of going back to study was quite nostalgic, but I was dedicated to seeing the process through. I made the effort to arrive on time and ensured I had everything I needed — from notebooks to a positive mindset, as well as a strong sense of punctuality.

After it was all over, I felt a real sense of ambition. The success I experienced made me realise that taking risks can sometimes lead to great outcomes. It reminded me that I should allow myself to take more of these opportunities, because they are rare — and they can lead to something truly positive. For this reason, I’ve decided not to stop here. I want to keep chasing the goals I’ve set for myself and possibly even return to education to continue developing my skills and abilities.

What are you most excited now you’re part of the Rising Stars programme?   

Karim: Getting work experience, then maybe going up to team leader manager. Then I maybe can start a side hustle that can lead to maybe even trying to own my own business in the future and eventually, I can have a house and a car.

Nzinga: What excites me most is the chance to grow — not just in my job, but as a person. It feels like a real opportunity to build confidence, learn new things, and develop skills that I can carry with me wherever I go. Being part of this scheme makes me believe that I can take risks and chase my bigger dreams because I have support and a solid foundation.

Reflecting on where you were before starting the training to now being part of The Pret Foundation’s Rising Stars programme, do you feel different about your career or life in the next couple of years? If so, how?  

Karim: To be able to get a leg up and to work and the fact that there’s people that are really trying to support me is something just different too, because I always think that for you to get something you have to give something in return. The fact that I’m just getting kindness without having to give something back, it can feel overwhelming and at the same time very nice.

Nzinga: Before joining the Rising Stars programme, I didn’t really think too far ahead. I was just focused on doing my job well and getting through each day. I didn’t fully realise how much potential I had or where things could lead. But now, I feel like I’ve found more purpose in what I do. Being recognised and supported has made me believe in myself more. It’s not just a job anymore — it’s something I can grow through.

I still have dreams outside of Pret too — like becoming a therapist one day and building a career in music. Now, I actually believe those things are possible. The confidence I’ve gained through Rising Stars has helped me take my goals more seriously. I’m learning to trust my path and stay open to where it might lead — whether that’s helping people through healing, expressing myself through music, or continuing to grow within Pret.

We look forward to seeing how Karim and Nzinga progress with the remainder of their programme with The Pret Foundation’s Rising Stars and wish them the best in their journey ahead. Karim and Nzinga are just two of the many young people being supported through this initiative in Lambeth and our other Homewards locations, proving the power of that positive collaboration within our local Coalitions and the broader Homewards Partnership can have as we aim to demonstrate it’s possible to end homelessness.