You’ve worked hard to build your skills as an optical assistant. You know the industry, you know your customers, and you know what great service looks like. But deep down, you want more - more responsibility, more recognition, and more opportunities to grow. At Specsavers, we make that happen.
We’re not just offering you a job; we’re offering you a career path that takes your experience and turns it into something bigger. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a dispensing optician (DO), now is the time.
We’re the UK’s leading optical retailer for a reason. We invest in our people. We give you the tools, the training, and the support to go further than you ever thought possible. Many of our store partners and leaders started exactly where you are now as optical assistants in other businesses. They made the move, and it changed everything.
When you join us, you’re not just switching employers. You’re joining a brand that believes in progression, professional development, and in helping you achieve your ambitions. If you want a future where your skills are recognised and rewarded, here is where it begins.
Are you an experienced Optical Assistant ready to take the next big step in your optical career? Join us as an Optical Assistant and we’ll support you to enrol onto the Dispensing Optician Apprentices
Specsavers BuryAre you an experienced Optical Assistant ready to take the next big step in your optical career? Join us as an Optical Assistant and we’ll support you to enrol onto the Dispensing Optic
This is your chance to step into a respected, regulated profession. As a dispensing optician, you’ll be the expert customers trust for advice on lenses, prescriptions, and specialist solutions. You’ll gain a qualification that opens doors to management, clinical roles, or even owning your own business. It’s a role that gives you more responsibility, more variety, and more earning potential.
Why choose the apprenticeship route?
We know you don’t want to put your career on hold. That’s why our apprenticeship is designed for people like you who want to progress without losing momentum. Joining us as an experienced optical assistant, you’ll earn an optical assistant wage while you learn on-the-job. And everything you study, you’ll apply straight away in-practice. It’s practical, flexible, and tailored to fit around your life.
The best part? Your training is fully funded through government support, so you won’t pay a penny for your qualification.
What do I need to have?
You’ll need:
Around 3 years’ experience as an optical assistant.
5 GCSEs grades A-C / grades 4-9 (or equivalent) including English, Maths, and Science.
If you have optical assistant BTEC Level 3 qualification, you will only need GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English.
If you’re qualified to BTEC Level 4 optical assistant, you’ll be able to access the apprenticeship in at year 2.
Residency in England (as this apprenticeship is currently only available to people in England), with the right to work/study for here for the duration of the apprenticeship.
A keen willingness to learn with real ambition to move forward in your career.
I was working as an optical assistant for 5 years before I decided to do the DO Apprenticeship. For anyone in my position, I would say - do it. I feel like I've got so much extra support and I’m achieving something every day. It’s so satisfying!
Kayleigh, Dispensing Optician Apprentice at Specsavers Melksham
Make the move today
If you’re ready to take your experience further, join us as an experienced optical assistant and start your journey to becoming a fully qualified dispensing optician. Your experience deserves more. Grow your own way with Specsavers.
You’ll work in-store as an experienced optical assistant while you train.
Yes! You’ll keep earning your normal wage as an experienced optical assistant throughout.
Around three years, but if you already have BTEC Level 4 in Optical Dispensing, you can skip year one.
Your role as an experienced optical assistant in-store will start any time up until July 2026. And, if you qualify, your apprenticeship will then begin in August 2026.
No – you’ll have one day per week off the shop floor (paid) which will be dedicated to your studies - whether that is coursework, block release, online training etc – this will differ depending on the apprenticeship provider.
The DO apprenticeship is a Level 6 programme delivered by ABDO College, Bradford College, and City & Islington College.
You’ll have a wealth of dedicated support throughout your apprenticeship from your store partner, colleagues, as well as your tutor, a host of online learning resources, and support office mentors to guide you. You’ll have us behind you every step of the way.
You’ll be a registered dispensing optician with the GOC; the world of optics is then yours to explore.
Yes, you can apply and transfer to us while continuing your studies.
Absolutely! It’s a good idea to let your store Partner(s) know you’re interested first. If you meet the essential criteria, they could help with finding the right opportunities in your store.
Of course, as long as your previous apprenticeship is complete.
If you like what you see and you want to join us, you can apply for one of our experienced optical assistant roles. If you meet all the essential criteria, you’ll be contacted by one of our recruiters who will discuss the next steps with you.
If successful, you’ll later apply for the apprenticeship via your chosen provider where eligibility checks and necessary assessments will be carried out. But don’t worry, we’ll be with you every step of the way through this process.
Your role as an experienced optical assistant in-store will start any time up until July 2026. And if successful, your apprenticeship will then begin in August 2026.
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