The Day I Got the Sack follows the stories of five young people who have seen their dream job slip through their fingers. Or so they think. Presenter Shaa Wasmund helps each of the five get back on track through mentoring, personal challenges and work experience.

Nilam
23 year-old Nilam from Leeds was "let go" from her sales job because of poor performance and now thinks she would like to work in PR. She spends a day on a building site to re-build her confidence, has an inspirational chat with former MP Oona King and gets to help on the setting up of a major London event. As a result of her work experience, she's offered a full-time PR job.

Kieron
Kieron thought his dreams of becoming a soccer player were over when he was dropped from Port Vale youth academy aged 18. With Shaa's help his football talent is professionally assessed, he makes contacts among other clubs and tests out his other work skills in the offices of the Mobo awards. He decides he's going to try and make it in football, but as a result of his work experience knows he has a back-up plan if needed.

Owen
20 year-old Birmingham-born Owen was left stranded when Rover closed down, taking his apprenticeship with it. Shaa sets him up with work experience at a car manufacturer, but he blows it by not turning up. After a stern talking to, he has better luck at a different placement, and after a positive talk with ex-Formula One driver Mark Blundell decides he might like to go into business for himself customising cars.

Payal
High-flying graduate Payal from Surrey was sacked from an investment bank, but is still determined to pursue a career in finance. To really test her interest and financial skills, she is set the task of raising funding for a charity. Shaa also arranges for her to talk to city high-flyer Susan Payne, which throws up ideas for new areas of finance she could get into. Payal remains set on a banking career and is more confident about being successful.

Gemma
21 year-old Liverpudlian Gemma suffered the humiliation of being thrown out of X Factor after reaching the final seven. To boost her confidence Shaa sets her the challenge of playing in public at Liverpool airport. A further boost comes when a professional assessor says she has the potential to be a great singer. She gets involved in the sharp end of the music industry helping to promote a rock and roll band and gets inside knowledge on what it takes to make it from Carrie Grant.

Produced for Channel 4 by Hotbed Media