Virtual event 10.00am 5 February – finding an apprenticeship

05/02/2024, 10:00–10:30am If you have been considering your next career move and want to earn while you learn, join this event today. Get some pointers from Paul Riddock, Managing Director of Swarm Recruitment, who has many years of experience placing the right individual with the right organisation. He will share insights on how to find the right apprenticeship and how to land it. CLICK HERE TO BOOK

A day in the life… the lens manufacturer

Tony Calvo is the operations manager for Optimum RX Lens Specialists, who manufacture and supply prescription lenses to opticians, hospitals and laboratories throughout the UK, Europe and beyond. What do you do?  I’m responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly in the production process, coordinating different aspects of manufacturing, making sure we meet quality standards, stay on schedule, and manage resources efficiently. How do you start your working day?  It usually begins with a hot coffee while I review the…

A day in the life… of an eyewear frames sales representative

Liz Shepherd is a business development manager for STEPPER EYEWEAR. Read on to discover what a day at work is like and find out whether this is a career that would suit you.  My typical day ? No day is ever the same as a rep. My area covers the whole of the Midlands and I am never in the same place two days running. Monday I could be at an appointment selecting frames and Tuesday conducting a training session.…

It’s not all rocket science – podcast highlights careers in STEM

If you are wondering where studying science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) could take you, turn to the the Eye Opening Careers podcast for inspiration. Hosts Gemma Drake, an early careers specialist, and optics educator Nas Hinglotwala are passionate about helping young people succeed.  They talk to students, employers and university tutors about careers in science, exploring how Gen Z are navigating their post-16 studies. In the latest episode, second year pharmacy students Abigail Wattleworth and Uns Khatib discuss their…

How to find work experience

Work experience is a great way to get a taste of a future career and find out what avenues might suit you. But it’s important to start your research soon – lots of other students are looking at the same time so opportunities can go fast. How can you find the right opening?  Your tutors will be able to advise you on common routes and connections to employers. But that doesn’t mean you need to stick to their contacts. For…

Six reasons why optometry is a great career

An optometrist is a skilled health professional, qualified to carry out sight tests, identify eye health problems, prescribe glasses and contact lenses and treat some eye conditions.  1. Make a difference Optometry is a rewarding career, where you can make a real difference to people’s lives. You’ll diagnose sight problems and identify health issues, perhaps even saving someone’s sight.  2. New technology Scientific and medical developments make this an exciting field. For instance, did you know it’s now possible to…

Applying to university – UCAS dos and don’ts

Filling in the UCAS form can be daunting. There’s so much information to provide and so many choices to make! Here are some Dos and Don’ts to help your application stand out DO check your deadlines Make sure you know your school’s or college’s deadlines and work back from those dates so that you have enough time to find all the information you need. Most applications have to be with UCAS by 31 January. You can submit your form after…

Specsavers rated “a great place to work”

The optical chain has qualified as a Great Place to Work-certified business, based on feedback from staff. At least 65 per cent of employees have to report a consistently good experience under the scheme, which assesses workplace culture. In the UK 80 per cent of those surveyed responded positively. Specsavers businesses in the Republic of Ireland and Canada, as well as manufacturing and distribution sites in Hungary and Hong Kong, have also qualified. The company is now accredited across four…

The entrepreneur – connecting optometrists and doctors

Dr Meera Radia is an ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and the founder of digital platform PocketEye What motivated you to become an eye doctor? As early as I can remember, I was fascinated by the blend of surgery with medicine that ophthalmology brings. I remember watching a television documentary about charity eye camps when I was a child. Seeing how you can positively impact someone’s life through a simple cataract operation really motivated me to learn more.…

Find out what it’s like to work in a hospital 

Are you interested in a healthcare career in a hospital? The University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton are offering students in Years 12 and 13 the opportunity to apply for live virtual work experience. Brighton and Sussex Medical School also offers virtual work experience without any application. At the University of Southampton, a typical timetable usually includes:  Operating theatre Ward rounds Outpatient clinic Wessex Investigational Sciences Hub (WISH) laboratory Apprenticeship opportunities  A chance to to speak to current medical…