A visit by Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Skills, to Lens Online and International Glazing Services (IGS) as part of National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February) has showcased the important role an apprenticeship can play in ongoing career development.
On Friday 13 March, Minister Smith had the opportunity to meet more than 15 apprentices who spoke with her about their roles and the opportunities that an apprenticeship can create. From Level 2 warehouse operatives, through to Level 6 supply chain management, Minister Smith heard about the different routes team members have taken and why they decided an apprenticeship was for them.
Along with Vision Labs, Lens Online and IGS provide lens surfacing as well as stocking and distributing lenses and contact lenses to Specsavers UK optical businesses.
As part of the visit, Minister Smith was also given a guided tour of the two sites. In Lens Online she heard more about an employee-led programme which has seen the introduction of robots to help automate the process of sending glasses to stores. Here, Minister Smith spoke to warehouse operative apprentices, Cora Merther, Klaudia Filpowicz and Edyta Linert who were all part of the team that helped to bring the initiative to life. Their apprenticeship includes learning about health and safety, standard operating procedures, environmental issues, MHE training, product handling and teamwork.
“It was wonderful to visit Specsavers during National Apprenticeship Week and meet the incredible apprentices in Kidderminster,” says Jacqui Smith, the Minister for Skills.
“From warehouse operatives to those studying for supply chain management degrees, I heard first-hand how apprenticeships are opening doors to fulfilling careers. Their stories show exactly why we’re committed to making apprenticeships more accessible for young people.
“With 45 apprentices now working across these sites, Specsavers is a shining example of how employers can invest in their workforce and create real opportunities for career progression.”
Jayne Cole, HR business partner, drives and tracks the apprenticeships at the three sites, as well as liaising with apprenticeship companies and looking for new opportunities for colleagues and the wider business. There were two apprentice colleagues when she joined four years ago, and this has now increased to 45.
“To have Minister Smith come and visit us during National Apprenticeship Week and take the time to see what we do at our manufacturing and distribution sites as well as chat to some of our apprentices was fantastic,’ says Jayne. ‘We’re passionate about encouraging as many of our teams to develop their skills as possible. The range of apprenticeships we offer means there is an opportunity for everyone if they want it.
“Specsavers won the National Apprenticeship and Skills Award 2025 and are also the current Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year which is testament to the emphasis the business puts on career development opportunities. All of our apprenticeship colleagues are paid full wage regardless of age and we are extremely proud of every single one of them. Minister Smith took the time to find out more about what each individual’s role involved and it was great to see the enthusiasm and passion with which all of our apprentices chatted to her.”
Tegan Fuller, who is doing the newly launched in-store dispensing optician apprenticeship, comments: “I’d done a lab technician apprenticeship first which I really enjoyed, especially the working alongside learning element as it means you can apply the skills you pick up as you go. I have weekly assignments to do and while it’s quite full on, my colleagues are all really supportive and help if I have any questions, along with my tutor too. It was great to be invited along and given the chance to talk about what I’m doing as part of National Apprenticeship Week.”
Dan Preston, operations manager at Lens Online, is currently doing the supply chain management degree apprenticeship. This takes three years to complete as there are regular days set aside for studying as well as attending Aston University. The course covers logistics management, work-place skills, warehouse and transport, financial management and developing management skills.
“I’d been a shift leader for six years and wanted to take on a new challenge which is where the apprenticeship came in. After my first year of doing my apprenticeship I was promoted to operations manager. The opportunity it has given me to learn has made me look at things differently and I’ve been involved in implementing a £2m project into Lens Online. I’m relishing the chance to develop and expand my skill set and really enjoying the challenge it’s given me. It’s something I’d encourage anyone to do.”
