It can be hard to decide where you fit in the world of work and where your skills apply. But there are ways to find a fulfilling career. This advice applies to everyone from school leavers to students and career changers. Identify your interests and talents Think about what you like and what you are good at – and what challenges you enjoy. Are your skills and knowledge a good fit for a particular field? Ask yourself what transferable skills you…
You've drawn up the job description, you've advertised, you've interviewed and now your new starter is due to arrive. Taking on a team member is a big investment. How can you make sure they thrive in their new role? People who have a positive experience of their first few weeks will understand the company better. They will make stronger connections with colleagues, helping them settle in. A good introduction to the firm creates higher job satisfaction, boosts commitment, improves performance,…
Apprenticeships are a great way for trainees to earn while they learn and develop their career. Employers benefit from staff gaining skills and knowledge. Macey, an apprentice optical assistant at Michael Offord Optometrist – Opticians in Newcastle and Sam, the practice manager, tell us what makes their journey a success. Macey, apprentice In September I started my apprenticeship with Woodspeen Training after being an optical assistant on a Saturday. I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about dispensing, spectacle…
The government in England is planning to reduce the number of top A level grades this year. Ministers want to return to pre-pandemic statistics, the proportion awarded in 2019. Scotland and Wales are moving more slowly. It may be bad news for some students, parents and schools. But if you miss out, there are still plenty of options for a rewarding career in eyecare. Whether you are into science and technology, fashion or engaging with people, there’s a great future…
It’s a little-known field but audiology is a rewarding option for everyone from school leavers and graduates to career changers, says Emma Walker, director of hearing services at Farnham Specsavers Hearing Centre. Emma’s career wasn’t planned. She got a part-time job with Specsavers during university. “My English degree didn’t point me in any direction. When I graduated I went full time as an optical assistant.” The store had a vacancy for a hearing aid dispenser and suggested Emma take the…
As a GOC (General Optical Council) registered optometrist in the UK, writing a compelling curriculum vitae (CV) is crucial to showcase your skills, qualifications, and experiences effectively. With the demand for eye care professionals on the rise, a well-crafted CV can help you stand out from the competition and secure opportunities in this highly competitive field. This blog will guide you through the process of creating a perfect CV tailored specifically for a GOC registered optometrist in the UK. Understand…
Vivid Optical is the leading recruitment consultancy in optometry and one of the sponsors of Careers in Eyecare. Vivid Optical works very closely with a range of employers in the optometry sector including all the biggest names in the market. Let’s me the team: Luke Elias Since 2011, Luke and Stephen have grown The Vivid Group global. With expertise in niche industries such as Healthcare, Technology and Optical, the group continues to grow under their tutelage. Joe Preston Coming into…
Qualifying as an optician gives you access to a rewarding career. From the opportunity to earn while you learn to being a style guru or getting to grips with the latest technology, there are many reasons to consider this option for your future. Flexible learning You can study ophthalmic dispensing full or part-time, so you can earn while you learn. There are day release and distance learning options, or foundation degree (two year) and BSc (three year) courses. Providers include…
Megan never planned to become a dispensing optician. Now she’s on course to become fully qualified in a professional career. She applied for a job at Specsavers Fox Valley practice in Sheffield in her year out before going to university. She had planned to study forensic science. “I had no idea what working at an opticians involved as I’d never had an eye test myself,” Megan says. She quickly realised she’d found her passion. “As I grew more comfortable with…
When you start looking for a job, it can often be an extremely overwhelming process with many people not knowing where to start. As an active job seeker there are an array of options out there to make use of, but none are quite as beneficial as reaching out to a recruitment agency and making use of their services. But what benefits really are there for using an agency as opposed to doing it yourself? Well, there are a variety…