
From forensics to optics - Linzi's story
Sign Up For Post Alerts
From forensics to optics - Linzi tells us her story
Linzi Mcculla, Apprentice Optical Assistant, tells us about her journey from university to an apprenticeship and how the change in direction has had a positive effect on both her work and home life.
Finding my feet
"I graduated from university in 2019 with a bachelor’s in forensic anthropology (which is basically the examination of human skeletons to find out more about them – it was pretty cool!). My original career goal was to work in forensics, but as you can probably appreciate, it’s such a niche degree and therefore not many jobs are available, especially without a master's or PhD. I really liked university – it provided me with the freedom I needed to work my studies around me. But, as a person, I always put too much pressure on myself due to my very high standards. And although I passed, I was second-guessing if I was good enough to carry on.
I was working seasonally in a supermarket, so when I decided not to pursue my studies any further, it was an easy transition to start working full-time. The job was OK – it wasn’t particularly stimulating or challenging, I just did what I had to do and then came home. Sure, I had career progression opportunities presented to me, but I didn’t feel it was the right thing for me. I love dealing with the public but felt that a management role wasn’t where I’d see myself. I put myself out there on the job market to find something a bit more challenging and rewarding. This is when I saw Specsavers were hiring for a Trainee Optical Assistant.
I was recommended an apprenticeship
I applied for the trainee position because optics seemed quite interesting, and it was a great opportunity to learn more. With my niche degree, I have a good idea of anatomy and have always had an interest in clinical/medical fields, so it seemed to be a good fit. During the interview, the interviewers felt that an apprenticeship would be better suited to me so I could learn much more in greater detail about optics. To be honest, I’d never considered an apprenticeship before. I always just assumed that they were for school leavers. My dad would always have apprentices working for him, and they were always around 16/17 years of age. I had no idea you could be an apprentice at any age!
I was so excited to be offered a trial shift in-store for the position of Apprentice Optical Assistant. It felt right from the very beginning. I didn’t want to leave after my trial – the team were all so knowledgeable and clearly had a great bond with each other, as well as store management. There were three other apprentices in-store too, so I could see how well they fitted in with the team. They weren’t treated any differently from those who were more experienced. All colleagues were so helpful, they’d be there to answer any questions and give loads of hands-on support.
Thankfully, the feeling was mutual, and I was offered the position.
The apprenticeship has changed my life
I’ve been at Specsavers now since October 2023 and it’s been brilliant. My coaches are fantastic – so supportive and encouraging. They work with me to find a way of pursuing the apprenticeship that suits me. The coaches and managers in my store understand how I put pressure on myself and have high expectations, so they know how to deal with this. They try to show me what I don’t see in myself. So rather than focusing on what I can’t do or don’t know, they focus on how far I’ve come. They describe me like a sponge – they’re surprised at how much information I absorb!
My previous role in retail was both physically and mentally tiring. I worked unsociable hours, was consistently running around the store, and at times the public could be very difficult to deal with (especially during seasonal periods), so this took a toll on my mental well-being.
I love that what I do at Specsavers has a positive impact on our customers’ lives. It’s not just ‘here’s your shopping’ – it’s interaction on a deeper level. Our customers keep coming back to us, and they remember me when they come back in, so we form good bonds with them which means so much, to them and to me.
Where to go from here?
I’ve witnessed a lot of progression internally already, with some people completing their apprenticeship to go on to do their level 4 BTEC, or further qualifications to become a Dispensing Optician (DO). I’m interested in being a DO because I want to have the knowledge and skills to be the best for our customers. I am fully supported by my store directors – I couldn’t ask for better ones, if I’m honest. The more you do, the more you know. I know now it’s just a matter of continuing to build my self-confidence.
I’m so glad I made the decision to join Specsavers. It’s made such a positive difference to my home life, too. My partner and I now have a lot more time together at home as a couple. I’m not drained every day, emotionally and physically, and my partner can see how much my confidence has grown. We’re planning our wedding for 2026 and I’m grateful to be in a much better place now to be able to focus on our exciting future together".
Want a change in direction?
Like Linzi, if you feel you want a change of direction where you can learn while you earn and get stuck into an exciting, rewarding career, then look no further than an apprenticeship with Specsavers.
Read More#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogPublish date
03/17/2025
Summary
From Zoology to Optometry - a journey of discovery James Roberts recently celebrated a significant milestone in his career journey by achieving a distinction in his Lab Technician Apprenticeship. Addi

Teaser
Support OfficeContent Type
BlogPublish date
03/06/2025
Summary
Embarking on a journey in optics Imagine starting your career journey as a 14-year-old schoolboy, stepping into the world of optics at Specsavers Dundee. This is where Marc Funai's adventure began. "

Teaser
PartnershipContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/23/2025
Summary
Dan's career began in optics, but it wasn't long before he found himself exploring new horizons. "I was a Dispensing Optician originally, but I hit a bit of a glass ceiling," Dan explained. "The only
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
RetailContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/19/2025
Summary
"Building meaningful connections – it’s retail, with a difference" Estelle Foster, an in-store Supervisor, is no stranger to retail work. She shares why she decided to leave her previous retail job t

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/13/2025
Summary
Join us on stand F24 at 100% Optical - 1 to 3 March 2025Find out about the difference we’re making to people’s lives and where a career with Specsavers could take you. Our world-class CPD sessions are

Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/07/2025
Summary
To be an apprentice you don’t need to be fresh out of education. And for Retail Partner, Jason North, he’s living proof that being a Partner isn’t the ceiling of his career journey. Becoming an Appren

Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/03/2025
Summary
There's always time; it's never too late Heather Settle aspired to be a sports photographer due to her love of sport and photography. However, half-way through University, Heather’s life changed and

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/30/2025
Summary
For Lauren Kerr, an optometrist at Specsavers Dundee, the real appeal of her role isn’t just about helping people see clearly- it’s about being part of a team that supports each other. Her journey sta

Teaser
PartnershipContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/28/2025
Summary
For Anoop, becoming an Optometry Partner at Specsavers was a lifelong dream come true. While buying into a business can naturally come with some concerns, her journey highlights how she overcame tho
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/23/2025
Summary
Mia started her journey with Specsavers in an admin role and, after completing the Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship with the support of her store directors, fast-forward a few years and she is now
by
Mike Davidson
Selected jobs for you
Salary
£7.75 per hour
Location
Telford, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant Apprenticeship
Locations
Telford
Description
Optical Assistant Apprentice So, you’re a proactive people person, passionate about retail and offering the best customer service? Sounds like you’d be a great fit here. If you’ve ever considered a ca
Reference
sf-80826-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Chantelle Harris
Author
Chantelle HarrisSalary
£10.20- £12.41 per hour
Location
Shrewsbury, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Trainee Optical Assistant
Locations
Shrewsbury
Description
Trainee Optical AssistantSo, you’re a proactive people person, passionate about retail and offering the best customer service? Sounds like you’d be a great fit here. So, if you’ve ever considered a ca
Reference
sf-80825-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Chantelle Harris
Author
Chantelle HarrisSalary
£60,000 plus a 5k welcome bonus!
Location
New Malden, Greater London, United Kingdom
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optometrist
Locations
New Malden
Description
Specsavers. A household name and a Highstreet staple. And you could be part of the team. We’re looking for a hard-working, passionate Optometrist ready to provide our customers with the best eyecare
Reference
sf-80824-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Alex Caluori
Author
Alex Caluori