Can you succeed at work if you face extra challenges? James, 24, works at Specsavers in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, and has an anxiety disorder. He takes us through a typical day.
What do you do every day?
My main tasks include performing pre-screening tests for customers before their eye test, helping them choose and purchase frames and lenses for their glasses, and fitting their glasses when they come to pick them up. I also have mandatory learning time, training on the shop floor and also online.
What did you do before the apprenticeship?
After graduating with a degree in psychology, I worked at a pub for about a year. I gained transferable skills in customer service.
How did you become an apprentice? Why were you interested in optics?
For many years, I have struggled with an anxiety disorder that has made some aspects of my life incredibly difficult, such as attending exams at school and university, going out with friends, and starting new jobs.
I became an apprentice as I wanted to switch to more regular working hours with a stable career progression structure, which would also help ease my anxiety. My experience in customer service and a love for learning made me interested in optics at Specsavers as the role blends a customer-facing retail environment with a clinical, science-based core.
What do you start with every day?
Before we open the doors we have a huddle – a ten-minute meeting with all team members where we usually focus on a particular area of the practice such as contact lenses and do a discussion or activity around it. This is a great way to bring us all together with a shared goal to help us improve the business and our own skills.
What are the main challenges?
The store often gets quite busy and it is sometimes tricky to balance attending to the various customers’ needs whilst also fitting in all of the background tasks necessary to ensure the store runs smoothly. It’s more fun when it’s busy though!
What do you love about what you do?
I love being able to help people. We are a clinical practice so the primary focus is to ensure we are improving the sight and hearing of our customers and recommending the necessary lenses and features that will benefit them in their everyday lives.
Interacting with customers all the time has given me an immense amount of confidence that has allowed me to control my anxiety
It is especially gratifying watching a customer try on their new glasses, amazed at now being able to read text on their phone or road signs across the street. Or something as simple as fixing a nose pad which takes ten seconds but may save them a lot of discomfort.
How do you wrap up your day and prepare for the next one?
I help with the end of day tasks, such as refilling the glasses displays and taking the bins out (it has to be done!). I enjoy a calming walk back to my car during which I can unwind.
What’s your message to anyone thinking about following in your footsteps?
University is a great experience and can be necessary for a lot of careers but it is not for everyone. An apprenticeship allows you to gain invaluable experience within an industry sector, working closely with actual professionals in that role who can provide invaluable knowledge and support.
Interacting with customers all the time has given me an immense amount of confidence that has allowed me to control my anxiety, and what I’ve learnt has also provided me with practical skills to give me more options for a future career.
More information
- Facing extra challenges – enjoying a career in eyecare
- Specsavers launches neurodiversity training
- Find out more about apprenticeships at Specsavers
- Discover dispensing optician apprenticeships
- Could an apprenticeship be right for you?