Emily Steele works for Edmonds & Slatter Opticians in Leicestershire and has just completed the optical assistant course with ABDO College Why did you choose an optical career? I’d started to need glasses a few years before and realised my idea of how glasses were supposed to look was totally out of date. I noticed how much of a fashion statement they are now. I’d previously worked in a pharmacy. I wanted to stay in healthcare but have something more…
There’s a new way to train as a dispensing optician (DO) and earn while you learn with the launch of Level 6 apprenticeships, equivalent to a degree. 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 first intake started in September and the next group of learners will begin their courses a year later. The 2025 starters will…
Leanne Glanville is a dispensing optician (DO) who volunteers for charity Vision Care for Homeless People Q. What's your role? A. I’ve been a qualified dispensing optician (DO) since 2016. I currently work as a locum once a week and volunteer with Vision Care for Homeless People (VHCP) once a month. Locums are temporary workers, rather than permanent, often self-employed. During my 17 years in optics I have worked in most departments in high street practice. I started wearing glasses when…
There are lots of different ways in You could start working as an optical assistant and can study online to learn more about eyecare and eyewear. Learn through block release or day release as a student or apprentice dispensing optician and you earn while you learn – get a diploma or a degree while being paid. Or head to university for a degree in ophthalmic dispensing or optometry, followed by clinical experience under supervision. Explore your interests Whether you are…
Your exam results can be key to your next steps at sixth form or college – or your chances of getting a job. But if you don’t get the grades you wanted, there are alternatives for you to consider. Just missed your grades? If you are not far off what was needed for your chosen subject you may be able to study it if your college has some flexibility. Go in on enrolment day and talk to them, with someone…
Today's one of the most stressful dates for many students. It may feel like disaster if you don’t get the grades for your chosen course, but there are options. Universities still want you – more than 50,000 students find their places through Clearing every year. Many more choose apprenticeships, internships, gap years, or go straight into work. How Clearing works Universities fill spaces that are still available after results day via Clearing, matching students with places. This year the system…
If you got your Higher results today, you may need to look around for your future direction. It may feel like disaster if you don’t get the grades for your chosen course, but there are options. Universities still want you – more than 50,000 students find their places through Clearing every year. Many more choose apprenticeships, internships, gap years, or go straight into work. How Clearing works Universities fill spaces that are still available after results day via Clearing, matching…
Businesses can boost their engagement and recruitment strategy and young people discover fresh opportunities during Youth Employment Week from 15–19 July. Young people Find lots of information and advice about your future options at Youth Employment Week Discover carers and pathways to suit your strengths Build your skills and boost your confidence Explore lifelong learning to progress your career Employers Download your toolkit to get free resources Download activities and social media assets from the Youth Employment Week hub Use your social…
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a standalone qualification, designed to develop students beyond the usual Level 3 course and to prepare you for university or your future career. It's worth half an A-level. You choose your own topic and title, with guidance from teachers. This is an independent project, a chance to really dig deeply into an area that interests you. What is an EPQ? The EPQ can be: a dissertation – a 5,000 to 6,000-word piece of writing…
If you are in the lower sixth or your first year at college, tutors and parents may be asking you what you plan to do next. It feels like the pressure is on and you have to have a plan for the rest of your life ... but don't worry. There are lots of options available to you and you have time to choose what you'd like to do. The number of apprentices is rising. An apprenticeship is a great…