Finding your feet with a Specsavers apprenticeship

Leila Hamilton-Pitt always wanted to work in health care. Despite not achieving the A-level results she’d hoped for, she found a new route as an optical assistant apprentice. She shares how it rebuilt her confidence and opened an unexpected door.  

“I was in my first year of A-levels when Covid hit,” remembers Leila, who’s from Midsomer Norton in Somerset. “Learning from home all through lockdown was a struggle. I was also a carer for my mum and gran, which put additional strain on my studies.

“I’ve always had a passion for health care, and my plan was to study medicine. But I didn’t get the marks I’d hoped for. Because of my grades, and my caring commitments at home, I no longer thought university was an option for me.

“Before the pandemic, I’d been working weekends in my local Specsavers. After my exams, I still wanted to be involved in health care. So, I decided to join full time as an optical assistant. That’s when my manager, Julie Blanchard, recommended I do an apprenticeship.

How it works

“I got four hours a week to study as part of my job. This involved completing online modules, covering topics such as fitting glasses, lens types, and health and safety regulations. I found it useful to learn the theory alongside the practical aspects.

“I also had a mentor, Fiona Keith, who I could talk to about how I was getting on, and get feedback on my progress. We were in regular contact throughout my apprenticeship via email, phone and video calls. We even met in person a couple of times. Fiona’s lovely – she always gave me pointers on what I could improve or what might be useful to remember.

“At the end of the programme, I was measured against different aspects of the role, demonstrating my ability in each area to pass. This was done through a formal discussion and a written assignment about my experience around fitting someone’s glasses.

“And lastly, there was an observational assessment where I was examined on how I do my job. It’s not as scary as it sounds though, as I’d been doing it for a year. It all came very naturally.

“I was delighted to learn my final mark was a distinction. It was a big achievement that showed me how much progress I’d made. My colleagues were really pleased for me as well. Everyone in the team helped me during my apprenticeship, so it was great to celebrate with them.”

Rolling out the red carpet

Impressed by her achievement, Leila’s old manager, Julie, put her forward for the Master Certificate Scheme (MCS). It’s a prestigious award presented by the City of London’s Livery Committee, which celebrates excellence in career progression and recognises the highest levels of ability.

Earlier this year, Leila found out that she won and attended a ceremony at Mansion House, in central London, to receive her award. “It was quite fancy, and I was nervous about it because I’d never been to anything like it before,” she reflects.

“Fortunately, my younger brother came with me to steady my nerves. It was inspiring to meet people from the optics industry, and other professions, who are also passionate about their jobs. I’m so grateful to Julie for nominating me. It felt amazing to receive the award, because it represents everything I’d been working hard to achieve since leaving school.

Don’t stop believing

“After the apprenticeship, the plan was to continue working at the store and become a dispensing optician. But my colleagues knew it was my dream to go to university. They explained how it could be done and encouraged me to go for it.

“So, I applied using my A-level grades and my apprenticeship, along with a clinical technician course I’d completed. Two senior optometrists also wrote cover letters supporting my application.

“I was over the moon when I got a place at the University of Plymouth. I’m starting a foundation year for an optometry degree this autumn. When I’m qualified, the team wants me to come back. That’s fantastic because Midsomer Norton is home, and I want to look after my community.

“I didn’t become an apprentice to get into uni. I did it to understand what my future could look like. It’s shown me what’s possible and how I can achieve it.”