I love trying to demonstrate that there may be hope and opportunity even at a time when people are feeling that they have less choice than they have been used to.
Specsavers rated one of the UK’s best employers
Specsavers has been ranked 23rd in the top 50 best places to work in the UK. This is the first time the high street optical chain has taken part in the Great Place to Work survey, a global benchmark which gathers feedback from members of staff. At least 65% of employees must report a consistently positive experience before companies are certified by the scheme. In the UK, 78% of workers backed Specsavers. They praised the opportunities offered to develop and…
Could you be a practice manager?
Do you have a passion for healthcare and a head for business? Every optical practice needs a manager. Start as an optical assistant or qualify as a dispensing optician and you could go on to become the manager, running the day to day business. These roles will see you leading the team, overseeing the finances, and making vital decisions. You will need to be enthusiastic about eyecare and clinically-minded. Your focus will be on sales and customer service. You will…
New BTEC for optical assistants
Specsavers has created a BTEC qualification to develop the skills of thousands of optical assistants (OAs) working in its community practices. The new Pearson BTEC Level 3 certificate includes units from the existing Pearson BTEC Level 3 certificate for optometric clinical assistants and dispensing assistants. Learners choose additional units to fit their roles, providing a tailored learning experience. Jodie Glanville (pictured) is the first person to complete the new qualification, works at Specsavers’ Plymouth practice: “I use the knowledge I gained completing the Cert 3…
Five ways to support National Careers Week 2024
Next week is National Careers Week 2024 (5-10 March) and it is the perfect time to showcase careers in eyecare. Here are five ways you can support careers week: Use your social media channels to highlight the role you have in eyecare. Tell your career story and share why others should consider a career in eyecare. If you have social media channels for your optical practice then you could share a post each day on the different roles within your…
Get that job – how to succeed at interview
Getting a job in eyecare requires strong communication and interpersonal skills. The interview is crucial – a chance to showcase your qualifications and personality. Here are some top tips to help you succeed from Danny Alaimo, associate director at Vivid Optical recruitment consultants. Research Before stepping into the interview room, thoroughly research the firm. Understand their values, mission, and recent achievements. This knowledge will not only demonstrate your genuine interest but also allow you to tailor your responses to align…
Celebrating apprentices with learning differences and disabilities
Virtual event, Monday 5 Feb 1pm–2pm Register here Join this webinar on the first day of National Apprenticeship Week to hear from disabled apprentices, and those with learning differences, sharing what works when it comes to supporting people with additional needs. Rabia Lemahieu of Disability Rights UK explains how employers can embrace diversity.
Earn while you learn – apprenticeships
National Apprenticeship Week in February highlighted that there's never been a better time to think about combining working and learning. You can get hands-on experience while studying for a recognised qualification – and earning a salary. There are a range of opportunities in eyecare including apprenticeships for optical assistants for spectacle makers (lab technicians) in customer service in business Eyecare apprentices work in every size of business, from independent local opticians to nationwide or international firms such as Specsavers or…
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…