Are you stuck in a role that isn’t right for you? Do you feel unfulfilled – trapped in a career you chose years ago but is no longer satisfying? Maybe it’s time to make a move. Eyecare is a field that welcomes career changers. Skills gained in other areas are often transferable, such as customer service or communication, and the extra maturity gained by people who have plenty of experience can be a real asset to employers. The government says…
Careers fairs are great opportunities for you to meet employers. They take place in person or online. They can also be called job fairs or recruitment events. Find out about local careers fairs through: school, college or university your local Jobcentre Plus social media posts about work in your area Preparing for a jobs fair will help you make the most of the opportunities available. Set a goal Think about a realistic target. What would you like to achieve at…
There’s a great future waiting for you in the growing field of optics. Almost 60% of people in the UK wear spectacles, among the highest percentages in Europe, and 9% wear contact lenses. Did you know dispensing opticians and optometrists can help to slow the progression of myopia (short sight) in children? Or help to manage conditions such as dry eye, often linked to screen use? Key roles Optometrists are health professionals who provide vision care. They are trained to…
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…
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…
It’s National Apprenticeship Week and there’s never been a better time to consider this way of training as a dispensing optician (DO). Level 6 apprenticeships, equivalent to a degree, were launched for the first time in September, allowing you to earn while you learn. 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 next group of learners will…
You’ve applied for the job and got that interview – congratulations! If it’s a Zoom or Teams call, there are some important things to think about compared to a face-to-face meeting. Use a laptop or desktop Zoom and Teams have mobile apps but laptops or PCs are best — even if you have something to hold your phone still. Your computer gives you and the interviewer a better view and may be clearer. If you can, plug your laptop in.…
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…