Optical Assistant Apprentice - Dorking, Surrey

Are you a caring individual looking to start your career in an Optics environment? You’ve come to the right place. As well as being passionate and motivated in everything you do, it’s important that you’re also a great listener and communicator – as that’s what excellent service is all about. In addition to having great communication skills, you’ll also be a team player and have a real passion for making a difference, both in your development and within the business.

Our Apprenticeship scheme gives people of all ages the chance to boost their existing skillset and kickstart an exciting new career as part of a forward-thinking business, all whilst earning a full‑time wage.

Our store, The Specsavers Dorking store, located on the High Street, is a busy and well‑established opticians and audiology centre at the heart of the local community. Equipped with three test rooms, the store supports efficient patient flow and enables the team to deliver high‑quality clinical care. It also benefits from excellent public transport links, with direct bus services stopping nearby and convenient rail access from Dorking West, Deepdene and Dorking stations—all within walking distance. In addition, free on‑site parking makes the store easily accessible for both local residents and those travelling from further afield.

Our team, The Specsavers Dorking team, is made up of an experienced and highly successful group of around 20 optical professionals, many of whom have been with the store since it first opened, reflecting strong retention and a supportive working culture. The team includes fully trained Optical Assistants, Dispensing Opticians, and multiple resident Optometrists, creating a well‑rounded clinical and customer‑focused environment. This structure enables staff to specialise and provide consistently high‑quality care, while also ensuring new team members benefit from a wealth of shared expertise and mentorship across the store.

What’s on offer? Our apprenticeship scheme gives you the chance to really set yourself up for a great career in a fantastic company, and earn a full‑time wage at the same time. You’ll not only spend 15-18 months in a paid job, but also learn your trade while surrounded by our friendly, passionate and highly experienced team who’ll support you every step of the way.

• Starting salary of £8.20ph
• Full time - 37.5 hours, to include weekend working
• We will auto‑enroll you into the pension scheme with an employer contribution when you contribute too
• Specsavers Perks - a portal to a world of great everyday discounts and savings
• WeCare - our employee support service to help you and your immediate family when you need it most
• Complimentary subscription to the Headspace app
• Eyecare and hearcare discounts for you and your family
• Enjoy an additional paid day off on your birthday to celebrate you!
• Enhanced family leave and company sick pay

Your on‑the‑job training will sit alongside structured learning and at the end of the 15-18 months as an apprentice, you’ll be a fully‑fledged Optical Assistant.

Who is this Apprenticeship for? If this is still sounding like a bit of you, we do need you to have a few skills to get started as an Optical Assistant Apprentice.

• You’ll need a grade 9-4 (A*-C) GCSEs in Maths (or equivalent/predicted result)
• Individuals who have lived in the EU for 3 years or more, with the right to work in the UK

What does the role involve?

• Welcoming customers into store
• Booking in eye tests
• Providing style advice
• Measuring frames

It’s essential that you haven’t previously worked in the Optical Sector. Before applying, please check that you are able to travel to the store location on a daily basis.