From apprentice to advocate - Katie’s story

When Katie House joined Specsavers as an optical assistant apprentice in 2020, she already knew that learning on the job worked for her. What she couldn’t have known was just how far that opportunity would take her. From working in store to becoming an Apprenticeship Engagement Coach, representing the voice of the next generation and being named Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Katie’s journey shows how an apprenticeship can become the starting point for a career full of possibilities.

Finding a way of learning that worked

“Before joining Specsavers, I’d already completed two apprenticeships while working in a tearoom, so when the opportunity came to learn while working in optics, the format felt like a natural fit for me.

My first few weeks in store were certainly hands-on. My teammates didn’t initially realise I was an apprentice and, as a result, I found myself learning a lot, very quickly.

Luckily, being ‘thrown in at the deep end’, as they say, suited me. Alongside that day-to-day experience, my Level 2 Optical Assistant apprenticeship gave me the structure to learn about different areas of the store without feeling overwhelmed.

It was the beginning of a journey that would take me much further than I initially expected.

Opening the door to something new

I continued to say yes to opportunities to learn, going on to complete a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship and my Award in Education and Training (AET).

While every qualification has shaped my career in some way, I see my Business Administration apprenticeship as particularly significant. It gave me the opportunity to move into support office and build skills I could take with me into different roles across the business. And those roles have opened up experiences I may never have imagined at the beginning of my apprenticeship, from getting involved with the Apprenticeship Bus and PAC to attending awards and speaking at seminar.

For me, that opportunity was my foot in the door to a different part of Specsavers.

A moment I'll never forget

One milestone, however, stands above the rest.

In 2025, I was named Advanced Apprentice of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards.

It’s still my proudest moment. I still pinch myself that it happened. Being recognised nationally for my hard work, dedication and career journey was incredible. And there was an unexpected bonus too: shedding a tear on stage in front of Ben Shephard definitely gave me my “claim to fame”!

But behind the humour, it’s an achievement I’m incredibly proud of and a reminder of where choosing to keep learning has taken me.

Having a voice

Another milestone has been joining Specsavers’ Next Generation forum, where colleagues aged 18 to 30 have the opportunity to have their voices heard on business decisions.

Through the forum, I’ve had opportunities including attending a board meeting and speaking during a seminar session. They’re experiences that would have felt a long way away when I first walked into a Specsavers store as an apprentice in 2020.

Helping someone else take their first step

Today, apprenticeships remain a huge part of my career.

Having completed four apprenticeships during my working life, I’m passionate about the combination of hands-on experience and qualifications they can provide. I’m also an Apprenticeship Ambassador for the South-East, giving me the opportunity to encourage others to consider whether an apprenticeship could be right for them.

It’s such an honour. Apprenticeships can be a stepping stone, a foot in the door or a springboard into whatever comes next. If I can encourage even one person to consider an apprenticeship, I’ll feel like I’ve made a difference.

It feels like a fitting next chapter for me, especially when my own apprenticeship opened the door to so many unexpected opportunities.

Still looking upwards

I might not know exactly what my next role will be, but that doesn’t worry me. Learning and development have been constants throughout my career so far, and I have no intention of stopping.

My advice to someone considering an apprenticeship is simple: give it a go. Apprenticeships aren’t for everyone, but they might be for you. There are so many opportunities to develop your career at Specsavers, so your options are endless.

As for what’s next? My plan is to keep shooting for the stars, climbing that ladder and pushing myself to reach new heights. I love to learn and develop. I don’t know exactly where I’ll go next, but I know it’ll be an amazing opportunity”.