
"There's always time; it's never too late"
Sign Up For Post Alerts
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 so did her career direction. Read how an apprenticeship at Specsavers has got Heather back on track for a satisfying and rewarding career.
"At school, I studied photography, PE, and media which I really enjoyed. Once I’d completed my education, I thought I should go to university as my friends were all going to uni too. So, I applied to a university to study photography and was accepted. I moved away from home and lived local to the University. At first it was fine but after a while, I felt unhappy. The subject itself wasn’t what I thought it would be – it was a lot of theory studies and no actual hands-on photography. Not wanting to give up on my education, I requested a subject change to sports (as I’m a rugby player already and really enjoy getting stuck in). For some reason, I still didn’t get on well with it and found study time difficult. I was in a quandary – why were my friends getting on so well at uni and I wasn’t?
Then, my life took a bit of a turn when I suddenly became ill. This caused me to then have to drop out of uni on medical grounds, so that decision was taken away from me. When I started to get better, the thought of going back to uni filled me with dread. I’d already been back home for a while whilst I was recovering, so I thought I’d explore my options. This is when I saw an Apprentice Optical Assistant being advertised at my local Specsavers. I’d never have considered an apprenticeship before as I didn’t know anyone who had done one, so I didn’t really know what to expect. But it sounded really interesting, and the advert alluded to the possibility of having a rewarding clinical or retail career which piqued my interest.
My illness had unfortunately affected my eyesight, which then made me more aware of and interested in eye health. So, when I saw the apprenticeship opportunity where I could learn more about eye care, it really resonated with me. I also love learning and doing things at the same time – I’m quite hands-on like that. I was so excited to be successful for the opportunity – and it’s certainly exceeded my expectations. I get 1-1 coaching with my apprenticeship coach, ample study time, interesting theory work as well as practical experience, and it’s opened the doors so many wonderful career opportunities.
I’ve completed my mock exam and am finishing off the last few subjects before booking in my end point assessment. Specsavers has supported me all the way through my apprenticeship and are happy with me completing it early as I feel ready. Once I’ve completed it, I’ll become an Optical Assistant. What’s next for me? I’ll look to do a qualification to become a Dispensing Optician – that’s my ultimate career goal, for now. Who knows, further down the line I might continue my studies while working at Specsavers to become a qualified optometrist. I know my store partner is fully supportive of my goals and wants to see me succeed.
Even though my career path is very different to what I thought it would look like, I’m excited to see what the future holds for me. I’m grateful for the apprenticeship opportunity to enable me to retrain and learn new skills to lead me down a different path. If you’re in a similar situation, or maybe you want to change your career path later on in life, then an apprenticeship is an excellent way to do it. There’s always time, it’s never too late".
It's not too late for you, either
Apprenticeships are open to everyone at any age with no relevant experience. Find out how an apprenticeship could help guide you on a new career path too.
Read More#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

Teaser
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/17/2025
Summary
When Joel Sebastian was deciding what to do after school, he knew he wanted to help people. Growing up in Kerala, South India, surrounded by family members in medicine, it felt like a natural path. Bu

Teaser
RetailContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/07/2025
Summary
Matthew Irvine didn’t plan a linear career—and that’s exactly what’s made it so impactful.He joined Specsavers in 2017 as a Divisional Support Manager, a development role designed to help new starters

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/24/2025
Summary
When Sam Thomas first stepped into the world of optics 16 years ago, she never imagined it would lead to running her own store on the Cornish coast. Her journey from Optical Assistant to national trai

Teaser
Support OfficeContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/29/2025
Summary
Celebrating National Payroll WeekPayroll might happen behind the scenes, but it’s at the heart of every organisation. Our Payroll Services team is a mix of problem-solvers, people champions, and proce
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/27/2025
Summary
Rachel Pointon’s career in optometry has been anything but linear—and that’s exactly what makes it so inspiring. From hospital clinics to high-performing stores, from mentoring pre-regs to influencin

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/27/2025
Summary
Hi, I’m Alan 👋 I grew up on the southside of Glasgow and I’m currently the Lead Optometrist at Specsavers in Sauchiehall Street. How did I get here? To be honest, I was never entirely sure that op
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/22/2025
Summary
From law to lenses: Hannan Qureshi’s story After years in the legal profession, Hannan Qureshi has made a bold career switch to follow his passion - becoming the new Retail Director at Specsavers Shep

Teaser
Home VisitsContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/22/2025
Summary
“I’ve found my place here.” Meet Daniel – Optometrist, Specsavers Home Visits Manchester Daniel Morgans didn’t follow the usual path into optometry. His early career included everything from call cent

Teaser
Home VisitsContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/22/2025
Summary
A career shaped by experience- and instinct When Saraneeya Sivathas joined Specsavers as an Optical Assistant during her BioMed degree, she had no idea that a part-time job would spark a whole new car

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/18/2025
Summary
"Home visits is refreshing, it’s fulfilling, and I wouldn’t go back.” Meet EllaElla Helliwell lives in a quiet village in Cheshire with her husband and their cat, Rosie. After moving away for universi
Selected jobs for you
Salary
£7.75 per hour
Location
Mansfield, East Midlands, United Kingdom
Store ID
1352
Contract Duration
Fixed Term Contract
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant Apprenticeship
Location
Mansfield
Description
Optical Assistant Apprenticeship Specsavers Mansfield Sainsbury's Apprenticeships at Specsavers | Specsavers UK Careers It’s essential that you haven’t previously worked in the Optical Sector. Before
Reference
sf-85792-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Rebecca Hooper
Author
Rebecca HooperSalary
£7.75 per hour
Location
Mansfield, East Midlands, United Kingdom
Store ID
0198
Contract Duration
Fixed Term Contract
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant Apprenticeship
Location
Mansfield
Description
Optical Assistant Apprenticeship Specsavers Mansfield 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 yo
Reference
sf-85791-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Rebecca Hooper
Author
Rebecca HooperSalary
£8 per hour
Location
Wood Green, Greater London, United Kingdom
Store ID
0280
Contract Duration
Fixed Term Contract
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant Apprenticeship
Location
Wood Green
Description
Wood Green, Specsavers. 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 career
Reference
sf-85790-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Hannah Crook
Author
Hannah Crook