At a Glance
- Tasks: Support customers and develop your skills as a Dispensing Optician Apprentice.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Specsavers in Hayes.
- Benefits: Earn £12.99 per hour, enjoy 28 days leave, and exclusive perks.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your optical career with hands-on training and real impact.
- Qualifications: 3 years as an Optical Assistant and 5 GCSEs required.
The predicted salary is between 12.99 - 12.99 £ per hour.
Are you an experienced Optical Assistant ready to take the next big step in your optical career? Join us as an Optical Assistant and we’ll support you to enrol onto the Dispensing Optician Apprenticeship, helping you become a fully qualified Dispensing Optician. This is an exciting opportunity to earn while you learn, developing the clinical skills, professional knowledge and confidence you need to progress in optics. Through workplace learning, hands-on coaching and structured study time, you’ll grow into a safe, effective, patient focused practitioner all while being part of a friendly, supportive team. If you bring positivity, passion and ambition, we’ll give you everything you need to shine.
Our store: Hayes Specsavers, London.
We have a wonderful team of dedicated people in our store ready and waiting for you to meet.
What’s on Offer
- £12.99 per hour - £27K Yearly.
- Full-time role (40 hours) with 20% protected off the job learning time.
- 28 days annual leave plus your birthday off.
- Pension contribution.
- Specsavers Perks – exclusive discounts and savings.
- Annual subscription to Headspace.
- WeCare – 24/7 confidential wellbeing and counselling support.
- Outstanding clinical and professional development opportunities.
- Eyecare and hearcare discounts.
Who is this Apprenticeship for?
To get started on the Dispensing Optician Apprenticeship, you’ll need:
- At least 3 years' experience working as an Optical Assistant.
- 5 GCSEs (grade 4-9 / AC) including Maths, English and Science.
- An employment contract of 30+ hours per week.
- To be a resident of England with the right to work/study here for the full duration of the programme (Please note: candidates with visas due to expire or requiring renewal during the apprenticeship unfortunately cannot enrol.)
- You’re not currently enrolled in another government-funded course.
If you’re motivated, eager to progress and passionate about patient care, this could be the perfect fit for you.
What Will You Be Doing?
In addition to your current Optical Assistant responsibilities, you’ll receive structured training and continuous development to deepen your dispensing knowledge. Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll build skills and confidence in:
- Professional Practice & Patient Care.
- Dispensing Skills.
- Complex & Specialist Dispensing.
- Low Vision & Visual Aids.
- Clinical Awareness & Communication.
- Teamwork & Professional Development.
You’ll play a key role in creating a warm and welcoming environment for customers and colleagues, contributing to an outstanding experience in-store.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Dispensing Optician Apprentice : Hayes in London
✨Dive into Local Healthcare Communities
Get involved with local healthcare groups or organisations. There are often meetups, seminars, and workshops where you can meet seasoned professionals in human medicine. Not only will you get a foot in the door, but you might also find mentors who can guide you towards potential apprenticeship opportunities.
✨Attend Healthcare Fairs and Open Days
Keep an eye out for health career fairs or open days at hospitals and clinics in your area. These events are goldmines for apprenticeships, as many healthcare facilities look to recruit young talent directly. Make sure to dress the part and come prepared with thoughtful questions.
✨Utilise Your School's Resources
If you're still at school, tap into your career services. They often have connections with local healthcare providers and can help set up placements. You might be able to find an apprenticeship through special university channels or partnerships that are dedicated to human medicine.
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Create a public portfolio showcasing your interests in human medicine. This could be a blog about the latest medical advancements or a LinkedIn profile detailing your volunteer work. When applying for an apprenticeship, a strong online presence can help you stand out to potential employers like Specsavers.
We think you need these skills to ace Dispensing Optician Apprentice : Hayes in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Medicine:In your application, let your passion for human medicine really shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like volunteering or shadowing in healthcare settings. We want to know why you're excited about this field and how you've engaged with it, even if it's just through your personal story.
Highlight Relevant Coursework and Skills:Make sure to list any coursework or specific skills related to human medicine in your CV. This could include biology, chemistry, or first aid certifications. If you've got any hands-on experience, like working in a lab or with patients, definitely emphasise that too!
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Since this is an apprenticeship, your personal statement should focus on your willingness to learn and grow. Talk about what you hope to gain from this apprenticeship with Specsavers and how it aligns with your career goals in medicine. Let's see that eagerness to dive into the real-world experience!
Keep It Professional But Personal:While being informal is great, remember this is a professional sector. Use clear language and structure your application well. This is your chance to stand out, so balance professionalism with a personal touch to make your application memorable. And don't forget to apply directly through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Specsavers
✨Brush Up on Your Medical Knowledge
Before heading into your interview for the human medicine apprenticeship at Specsavers, make sure you’ve got a solid grasp of basic medical concepts and terminology. This might come up in technical questions or discussions about patient care, so being conversant with the latest practices can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In the field of human medicine, your ability to communicate and show empathy is just as important as your technical knowledge. Be prepared to share examples of how you've handled sensitive situations or worked effectively in teams. This is where you can really demonstrate your understanding of patient care.
✨Get Familiar with the Interview Format
Interviews for apprenticeships can often be more informal, focusing on your motivations and enthusiasm for learning. Don’t forget to prepare for scenario-based questions where you might be asked how you’d respond in particular medical situations—this gives you a chance to show your critical thinking skills, too!
✨Prepare Your Aspirations and Learning Goals
Since this is an apprenticeship, the interviewers at Specsavers will want to see your eagerness to learn and grow. Think about your long-term goals in the medical field and be ready to discuss how this apprenticeship will help you achieve them. It’s all about showing your potential!