JUMP TO CONTENT

I'll have my own store one day

Written byNikkie Stanley
Posting date: 12 Nov 2024

Andrew Tobin tells us about his epic journey from an Optical Apprentice to Assistant Store Manager, and what future career goals he has his sights set on at Specsavers.  

An Apprenticeship with promising career progression opportunities 

“After finishing high-school, I went to college as I felt like it was what I had to do. I didn’t know what career I wanted, so I chose subjects that I’d enjoy and could potentially lead on to something exciting. Once I finished my A-Levels, I knew I wanted a career, but I didn’t know what that looked like at that point. I noticed an Apprenticeship opportunity at a local Specsavers store which hadn’t opened yet. I was intrigued by it as it was brand new. The bit that stood out for me in the advert was the focus on career progression opportunities, as well as being able to learn while I work and take home a salary for it too. I went for it and was really pleased to be offered the position of Optical Assistant Apprentice. Having no previous knowledge of optics, nor never having set foot in an Opticians before, I didn’t know what to expect. But I learned so much about the world of eye care and found it really fascinating.  

Supported, encouraged, and valued 

I loved my apprenticeship because anything I learned was able to be applied straight away, and the learning was structured and relevant. I was allocated time each week to complete my learning which kept me on schedule; I never felt pressured, just supported to complete my apprenticeship. From store directors and managers to the optometrists and optical assistants, everyone supported me, encouraged me, and guided me so I could do my best. I felt valued as a member of the team and appreciated for the hard work I put into it. My apprenticeship coaches were brilliant – though I was given plenty of independence, they managed my expectations throughout the course, ensured I was progressing as I should be, and knew exactly how to help me to achieve the best results possible. 

I’m not done with learning

Once I completed my apprenticeship, I took on the role of an Optical Assistant and continued my learning by completing my level 3 optical assistant cert. Throughout my studies I’d established that I was most interested in the managerial aspects of the business. I voiced this to store management who were happy to take me under their wing and show me the ropes. I was given opportunities for days where I could be Acting Manager to gain some hands-on experience which was an opportunity for me to prove myself and my abilities. And to prove to myself that it’s what I truly wanted to do. An opportunity became available for an Assistant Manager, and I was identified as the right person for the job which was a huge compliment, and a testament to my hard work and determination.  

My role comes with new responsibilities and different challenges – it’s an exciting change I’m truly proud of and has affirmed my desire to continue progressing. I’m currently taking part in the Specsavers Management & Leadership stage 1 training which is so interesting. I’m definitely going to carry on and complete stage 2 training afterwards which will lead me nicely into the Pathway to Partnership - I’ll have my own store one day. 

Written byNikkie Stanley
List #1

#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

From school leaver to Home Visits Director: Danielle's story

Teaser

Audiology

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

05/22/2025

Summary

From school leaver to Home Visits Director: A career built on care, growth, and support  When Danielle left school in 2005, she wasn’t entirely sure what her future would look like - but she k

Teaser

Read more
"I'm passionate that leadership is for everyone!"

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

05/08/2025

Summary

"I'm passionate that leadership is for everyone!"  In light of Learning at Work Week, Zoe Stebbings, Leadership Development Programme Manager for UK/ROI Retail, tells us about her career journey to

Teaser

Read more
"It's like watching light bulbs come on!"

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

05/08/2025

Summary

"It's like watching light bulbs come on!"  During Learning at Work Week 2025, Jenny Clifford, Global Learning Experience Design Lead, tells us why she loves learning and how Specsavers supports her

Teaser

Read more
"I wanted something bigger": Anna-Marie's story

Teaser

Dispensing

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

05/02/2025

Summary

Born and raised in England, Anna-Marie moved to Northern Ireland at 18, unsure of her career path. She dabbled in painting and art, but it wasn’t until she took a receptionist role at an independent o

Teaser

Read more
From dispensing optician to being her own boss: Verity's story

Teaser

Dispensing

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/28/2025

Summary

Verity's journey from a dedicated dispensing optician to a business owner at Specsavers shines a light on one of the several varied paths a DO (Dispensing Optician) could take with Specsavers. Here,

Teaser

Read more
Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Make a difference as a Dispensing Optician at Specsavers

Teaser

Dispensing

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/14/2025

Summary

Rachel Clarke was seven years old when she decided she wanted to be an optician. Why? Because her ultimate hero, her dad, who knew the answers to every question she ever asked, didn’t know how her

Teaser

Read more
Personal and professional growth: Amy's story

Teaser

Dispensing

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/14/2025

Summary

Amy Griffiths, a dedicated Dispensing Optician at the Swansea Specsavers store, has a life that revolves around her passion for optics and her energetic collie, Aurora. "My life kind of really centres

Teaser

Read more
From Optics to Audiology: Kristi’s journey

Teaser

Audiology

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/09/2025

Summary

Kristi journey from optics to audiology is a reflection of her determination and passion for helping others. Initially working in the Redditch branch of Specsavers, Kristi was intrigued by a career

Teaser

Read more
Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Relocating from Nigeria to the UK: Chidinma's story

Teaser

International Careers

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/08/2025

Summary

A new beginning Chidinma Ulu is an Optometrist who relocated to Bristol from Nigeria back in 2021. She’s excited to share her journey, from her education in Nigeria to becoming a fully qualified Optom

Teaser

Read more
From nervous beginner to confident leader: Katie's story

Teaser

Apprenticeships

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/03/2025

Summary

Katie Marshall, Supervisor in our Wellington store, started out as an Optical Assistant Apprentice. From going through some particularly tough times due to health challenges to flourishing in her care

Teaser

Read more
View more jobs
List #1

Selected jobs for you

Insights Knowledge Manager

Salary

up to £63k Dependent on Experience plus bonus and car allowance

Location

Remote

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Marketing, Creative & PR

Locations

Whiteley

Description

Insights Knowledge ManagerUK Do you love turning data into decisions and insights into impact? Do you dream of building something from the ground up that helps teams across the globe truly understand

Reference

sf-81946-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

View job
Optical Assistant Apprentice

Salary

£7.75 per hour

Location

Pudsey, North East, United Kingdom

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Optical Assistant Apprenticeship

Locations

Pudsey

Description

Are you a caring individual looking to start your career in an Optics environment? You’ve come to the right place.    As well as being passionate and motivated in everything you do, it’s important tha

Reference

sf-82029-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Elisha Aunger

Author

Elisha Aunger
View job
Domi Hearing Aid Dispenser (Clackton)

Salary

Up to £40k plus £5k welcome bonus

Location

Clacton-on-Sea, East England, United Kingdom

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Audiologist / Hearing Aid Dispenser

Locations

Clacton-on-Sea

Description

Ready to do the right thing by our customers? As a qualified Hearing Aid Dispenser (HAD), you’ll share our vision to give customers the very best professional service in their own home, helping them i

Reference

sf-81599-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Kasia Mnich

Author

Kasia Mnich
Kasia Mnich

Author

Kasia Mnich
View job
View more jobs