What are the benefits of doing an optical retail apprenticeship?
An optical
apprenticeship allows you to develop the essential skills and experience needed
to launch your career in optometry. It serves as an alternative entry point
into your chosen industry and a change from a classroom environment.
Apprenticeships are a great option for those who feel ready to enter the
workforce and start building their careers through practical training, and
supportive study. If you’re considering taking one of our optical retail
apprenticeships here at Vision Express, we discuss the key
benefits below.
Earn
while you learn
One of the biggest
benefits of choosing an optical retail apprenticeship is that it allows you to
earn a salary for the work you do while working towards a qualification.
Therefore, you’ll be able to expand your knowledge and potentially progress
your faster career at an earlier stage, helping you become more employable in
the future within Vision Express. An apprenticeship offers you lots of
responsibility and can help you build confidence, professionalism and
competence – and at Vision Express, we’re proud to pay our apprentices above
the minimum wage.
Gain
relevant experience
When you undertake an
optical retail apprenticeship, you will gain invaluable experience that could
set you apart from other professionals when applying for roles in the future.
While academic qualifications and achievements are still important, apprentices
will have a stronger understanding of the wider industry because of having
real-life exposure in an optical environment, as well as their chosen career
path. Therefore, undertaking an apprenticeship could put you at an advantage.
Not only does an apprenticeship give you tangible experience within a store,
but you’ll be gaining qualifications that will make you eligible for different
Optom roles, whether that’s as a Trainee Optical Assistant or Pre Registration
Optometrist.
Build
a professional network
As an Optical Retail
Apprentice, you’ll be able to meet a variety of different people, which in
turn, allows you to build a professional network of trusted advisors and
mentors. With the support of a Store Manager, apprentices will be interacting
with customers and other staff in a fast-paced environment. Networking is an
important part of being an apprentice and it can be a great way to strengthen
your career in the long term. Depending on which store you work in, there will
be lots of opportunities to meet other apprentices, and exchange ideas with
others in the optometry sector. An apprenticeship gives you the chance to start
the networking process early, so you’ll have a vast range of contacts in the
future.
Improves
career prospects
Completing an optical
apprenticeship shows that you’re able to handle the demands of the workforce
whilst studying towards a qualification. During your apprenticeship, you’ll
also receive one-to-one support and professional development, where you’ll be
able to ask questions and raise any concerns. A successful optician retail
apprenticeship programme will certainly improve your career prospects, as
you’ll have a better understanding of Optometry, as well as improved
communication and time management skills, both of which are essential in an
Optom role.
Are
you looking to become an optical apprentice?
There’s no doubt that
doing an optician retail apprenticeship is a great way to work towards a
permanent position in one of our stores. Over half of our apprentices have
progressed to professional and in-store career paths, and one-hundred per cent
of our apprentices receive a distinction pass rate. At Vision Express, we’re focused on
helping our colleagues succeed and meet their goals. Apply to one of our apprenticeship vacancies today with your CV and keep
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Everyone has an important part to play in our continuing success – whatever their role, their experience or their area of expertise. We’ve chosen some colleagues to give you a brief insight into what life’s like at Vision Express.
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