Optical assistant apprenticeship
What is an optical assistant apprenticeship?
An optical assistant apprenticeship at Specsavers takes 15-18 months to complete, during which you’ll work for an exciting and innovative company, earning as you learn and gaining valuable work experience. You’ll follow a comprehensive structured training programme from both the in-store or home visits team and the Specsavers Apprenticeship team, that could put you on the path to a career in optometry. (If that’s where you see yourself!)
What’s on offer and what will I gain?
As an optical assistant apprentice, you’ll be paid a regular salary of at least the national rate. Whether you’re a recent school leaver or someone looking for a change, this means that you’ll have more stability while you train in a key role. Our apprentices get at least 20 days of paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays and each store has its own benefits package.
You’ll receive structured training to become a Level 3 Optical Assistant, helping customers find the perfect eyewear. You’ll gain technical knowledge of spectacle fitting requirements to interpreting a clinically issued prescription to a customer. No matter which role you apply for, you can trust there’ll be a whole team ready to help you learn the ropes. A great pair of glasses can really change someone’s day, and as an optical assistant apprentice, you’ll be able to share that great feeling with your customers.
The apprenticeship will also open the door to career opportunities in Specsavers which you may not be aware of. From the support of your manager and apprenticeship team you will get an understanding of these career opportunities throughout your journey.
Day in the life of an optical assistant apprentice
Our apprenticeships are designed so that you can learn ongoing with Specsavers’ constant support throughout. So on day 1 of your apprenticeship, you might focus on talking to customers and getting to know the team. Then as your training progresses, you’ll take on more responsibility.
You’ll get to know our computer systems, learn to accurately measure customers’ frames that ensure maximum comfort, and learn how to respond to customer queries with thorough product knowledge. So by the time you’ve been in the role for a few months, we know you’ll feel confident in dealing with phone enquiries and booking appointments, or providing style and fitting advice aligned with facial and prescription requirements — our optical assistants become style experts for any face shape, helping customers rediscover their confidence. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete screening checks, clearly explain and reassure customers when needed, and carry out repairs or adjustments to their glasses.
At every step of the way, we’ll make sure you develop as an employee whilst maintaining high standards of customer care. Many of our apprentices go on to permanent roles at Specsavers, an example of this could be training to become an optician through one of our designated routes, and we’ll focus on helping you make that jump.
“I’ve always been interested in a career in the optical industry. The role has opened many doors for me, and I aspire to become a qualified dispensing optician in a few years’ time.”
William Parker
Optical Assistant Apprentice, Bromsgrove Specsavers
Our optical assistant apprenticeship
Your apprenticeship will lead to a nationally recognised qualification. At the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll be a fully-fledged Level 3 optical Assistant, to the national standard outlined here by the Institute for Apprenticeships.
Many of our optical assistants progress to other roles, pursuing further optical qualifications or specialising in retail. You can look at some of our other roles here. After this, with Specsavers’ support and experience, you may even be running your own store in years to come.
How do I sign up?
Our application process:
Our opportunities page will show you the current roles available near you.
Seen a role you fancy? While we boast all the latest technology, sometimes we think the old ways are the best. We encourage you to drop your CV in-store, so you can get to know the shop and say hello to the team you’d be working with.
Of course, you can also apply directly to an opportunity online.
Learn more about Specsavers apprenticeships
Why are apprenticeships so important to us?
The role of our Apprentices Coach
Allissa on the qualities that make a Specsavers apprentice
Becca tells us about the support apprentices get in store