When you finally finish your GCSEs (or National 5s in Scotland) it’s time to celebrate – and enjoy a spot of relaxation. But it’s worth thinking about your next step and starting to prepare. Buy a diary Now you’re in sixth form or college you’ll have more work to do, deadlines to juggle and exam dates to remember. Get organised from day one and buy a diary to keep track of everything. Make sure you choose a school diary, otherwise…
Work experience isn't always advertised or may not be routinely available in your area of interest. To discover opportunities you'll often need to approach employers directly. Find hidden opportunities Uncovering hidden work experience opportunities isn’t easy, but perseverance pays off. First, talk to family, friends, fellow learners, teachers, tutors or anyone you know through hobbies or extracurricular activities to see if they know of anyone to approach. They might have links to a company of interest and pass on their…
A pioneering optical care course is opening career opportunities for Year 12 and 13 students. Aston University Sixth Form, in Birmingham, is the first college in the UK to have learners studying T Level optical care, says assistant principal Ruth Mercy. The two-year course, equivalent to an A Level, is designed for students who want to pursue a career in the sector. Ruth says: ‘It provides valuable insights into different optical roles, provides placements in optometry practices, visits and guest…
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…
There’s a great future waiting for you in eyecare, with lots of choice whatever your interests and skills. Whether you are planning to go into employment straight from school, head to university, or you are already working and looking for a new career, there are plenty of reasons to go into this field. Enjoy flexible training and careers Whether you want to train or work full or part-time, weekends or weekdays, there’s a job for you. More and more high…
If you are in Year 13, it can feel like everyone is asking what you plan to do next. Where does your future lie? It feels like the pressure is on and you have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life. Don't worry. You have time to explore your options and there’s plenty of help and information out there. Finding the right career There’s lots of ways to find ideas and explore whether they…
A CV details your skills, experience and achievements for potential employers. It summarises your strengths and shows why you are the right person for the role. Even if the job you are interested in asks you to fill in an application form, it’s important to have your CV to hand. Other employers will want it, and it’s a good way for you to keep a record of your experience. Employers get lots of CVs to look at so make sure…
Are you interested in healthcare, science or fashion trends? Helping people achieve their potential at work or in education? Working with children or vulnerable people? There’s a great career on offer in dispensing optics. This field gives you the chance to qualify as a registered health professional, with a degree or diploma. You’ll develop skills in fitting and supplying spectacles that take account of your patients’ needs and lifestyle. Did you know that all registered dispensing opticians (DOs) have a minimum…
Richard Hodgson visits people in their own homes to provide optical care. He shows apprenticeships aren't just for school leavers. Richard is the first domiciliary (home visits) optical assistant to complete his apprenticeship with Specsavers – with distinction, too. He tells us why he had his sights set on the home-visits team and how his qualification has helped him achieve the role he really wanted. Life before my apprenticeship I was working in a different world of glass – double-glazing,…
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (10–16 February), ABDO College are running a number of 'Introduction to apprenticeships' webinars to help guide and inform prospective students and employers interested in this new and exciting pathway to become a dispensing optician. The key concepts behind apprenticeships will be introduced as well as the similarities and differences to traditional pathways. The webinars will run through Microsoft Teams to allow interaction and conversation and are open to all. Laura Stratton, apprenticeships manager, said, "As…