By Dena Wyatt, head of apprenticeships at Specsavers
“Apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to build skills and create long-term careers, combining learning with real, hands-on experience. Since 2016, Specsavers’ apprenticeship programme has demonstrated the impact this model can have at scale. The programme has grown steadily, earned an outstanding Ofsted rating, and now supports 500–600 apprentices each year, with around 90% progressing into permanent roles. With structured training and tailored support, apprenticeships help us develop the next generation of clinicians and managers – strengthening our workforce and supporting the delivery of high-quality care for the future.”
About Specsavers’ apprenticeship programme:
- Vacancies available: Around 70
- Roles on offer: The Specsavers Apprenticeship Scheme is open to anyone above the age of 16, including those who have just finished their GCSEs or A-Levels or anyone who is looking for a new challenge. Specsavers offers a diverse range of apprenticeships. The key in-store roles include optical assistants and lab technician and there are also a range of apprenticeships available for different departments in our support offices.
- Length of study: It varies depending on the level of the apprenticeship, but our level 3 Apprenticeship – which is the most popular in store – are from 15 to 18 months
- Location: There are opportunities available nationwide.
- Qualifications requirements: It depends on the level of apprenticeship and for Level 3 store apprenticeships applicants will need a GCSE Maths Grade 4/C or above or an equivalent level qualification.
- Where to apply: Visit our website https://join.specsavers.com/uk/ to find out more about apprenticeships and to apply. You can also speak to a member of the Recruitment Administration and Support Service Team on 01566 771 888.
- Deadlines: There are always new roles being advertised so check the Specsavers website for the latest jobs.
Iulia-Corina Tranca on how she became a trainee solicitor with Specsavers
I had always dreamed of a career in law, but the Covid-19 pandemic meant that I couldn’t get to a university that offered the LPC route to qualify as a solicitor. Instead, I turned to a master’s degree in HR Management while I looked for ways to gain legal experience.
I saw that Specsavers was hiring for a Data Protection Administrator, and that the salary was more than most entry-level positions. I got the job, joined as a contractor, and at the end of my contract Specsavers offered me a permanent role. I was so excited!
Over time, my role evolved into Legal Administrator, and alongside going on foundation courses in data protection, my responsibility grew as I took on more complex work.
Qualifying as a solicitor had always been my ultimate goal, though, and when I found out that you could do this via an apprenticeship route, it was a revelation. Specsavers funds the program, and the business is incredibly flexible. I work four days a week and study for the Solicitors Qualifying Exams once a week, and I am currently seconded to Newmedica where I work with established and highly successful lawyers – an incredible opportunity!
The whole team at Specsavers has been supportive from day one, including regular check-ins to make sure I’m staying on track. I feel fortunate that I’ve been able to go on this journey – while not the conventional route, you gain practical experience and learn from qualified professionals. My advice is to go for it – if you want to get ahead in your career, this is the way to do it!
Stephanie Whittall’s journey from shop floor to hearing aid dispenser and clinical lead
I began my career on the optical shop floor of Specsavers Yeovil, and while I was there, I developed an interest in the audiology side of the business. I was always asking questions and helping where I could.
Because I had shown an interest in this side of the business, I was offered and accepted the opportunity to take on the Hearing Care Assistant (HCA) course, followed by the Hearing Aid Dispenser (HAD) qualification. Now, I’m a qualified HAD stepping up into a Clinical Lead role, while studying for my Level 6 BSc (Hons) Audiology top-up degree alongside a Level 2 Management Course.
Rather than entering the business as an apprentice, I took the less common route of an apprenticeship after being in the workforce for a while to improve my clinical knowledge and leadership skills. Specsavers has provided me with opportunities to learn and achieve my goals, and I feel empowered by my manager and director who have always pushed me to do this.
My team are also incredible – they are always there to support me if I need it, and this boost allows me to tackle new challenges with confidence. I feel passionately about extending this to others by helping them to learn and grow, and an apprenticeship allows you to do just that. If nothing else, I’d like to this to be a reminder that apprenticeships aren’t just for those starting out – they’re also a way to grow, specialise and lead.
If you’re interested in learning more about the opportunities available at Specsavers, visit our website https://join.specsavers.com/uk/ or speak to a member of the Recruitment Administration and Support Service Team on 01566 771 888. or speak to a member of the Recruitment Administration and Support Service Team on 01566 771 888.
