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…
Can you succeed at work if you face extra challenges? James, 24, works at Specsavers in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, and has an anxiety disorder. He takes us through a typical day. What do you do every day? My main tasks include performing pre-screening tests for customers before their eye test, helping them choose and purchase frames and lenses for their glasses, and fitting their glasses when they come to pick them up. I also have mandatory learning time, training on the…
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…
Are you interested in healthcare, science or fashion trends? Helping people achieve their potential at work or in education? Working with children or vulnerable people? There’s a great career on offer in dispensing optics. This field gives you the chance to qualify as a registered health professional, with a degree or diploma. You’ll develop skills in fitting and supplying spectacles that take account of your patients’ needs and lifestyle. Did you know that all registered dispensing opticians (DOs) have a minimum…
Specsavers, the high street eye and hearing care firm, has 62 places on their apprenticeship scheme across the country. Head of apprenticeships Dena Watt says: “At Specsavers we are passionate about helping people learn and grow and our diverse range of apprenticeships offer a great stepping stone into our business and a way to upskill on the job. “Around 90% of apprentices stay on in permanent positions after qualifying and most go on to gain further qualifications. So, if you…
Richard Hodgson visits people in their own homes to provide optical care. He shows apprenticeships aren't just for school leavers. Richard is the first domiciliary (home visits) optical assistant to complete his apprenticeship with Specsavers – with distinction, too. He tells us why he had his sights set on the home-visits team and how his qualification has helped him achieve the role he really wanted. Life before my apprenticeship I was working in a different world of glass – double-glazing,…
A charity volunteer has moved into a paid job as an eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO) thanks to sponsorship from Specsavers. Helen McGrath has been helped by the Harrogate practice to train as an ECLO with Vision Support. The role helps bridge the gap between health and social care professionals and people with sight loss, providing information and emotional support. Two million people live with sight loss More than 2 million people in the UK live with some degree of…