It’s National Apprenticeship Week and there’s never been a better time to consider this way of training as a dispensing optician (DO). Level 6 apprenticeships, equivalent to a degree, were launched for the first time in September, allowing you to earn while you learn.
DOs advise on, fit and supply the most appropriate spectacles after taking account of each person’s visual, lifestyle and vocational needs. They can take further training to fit contact lenses.
The next group of learners will begin their courses in September. They will include people working for new employers, who have never offered apprenticeships before.
The three-year schemes are a great way to develop your career while gaining professional qualifications, leading to a diploma in ophthalmic dispensing.
“If you have a fascination with science, you feel that you’re good with people, or like dealing with the general public, then it is a fantastic career for you,” says Paula Perrott, head of school – ophthalmic dispensing at Bradford College.
The Level 6 apprenticeship is “a real mixture of theory and practical, anything from anatomy to the physics, to professionalism, how to communicate with people and how to put the patient first,” says Paula Perrott of Bradford College.
Learn on the job, at college and online
The courses offer blended learning – working for an employer with protected time for study online, on the job and block release training, where you spend one to two weeks, twice an academic year at college.
Weekly coursework is designed to take 7.5 hours, which is part of your work commitment, not on top – and you are paid.
It is just as academically rigorous as the traditional diploma, following the same syllabus. But apprentices don’t have to pay anything – even the costs of travel and accommodation during block release are covered by the employer.
Three training providers are running the apprenticeships
- ABDO College
- Bradford College
- City & Islington College
Find out more
- What does a dispensing optician do?
- All about dispensing optician apprenticeships
- Five reasons why becoming a dispensing optician is a great career choice
- Find out more about National Apprenticeship Week