At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome customers, book eye tests, and provide style advice in a vibrant retail environment.
- Company: Join Specsavers, a forward-thinking business with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Earn £12.91/hour, enjoy 28 days holiday plus your birthday off, and access great perks.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in optics with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths (Grade 9-4) and a passion for customer service are essential.
The predicted salary is between 26700 - 26700 € per year.
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. We are currently looking for individuals who are enthusiastic about providing great customer service and would like to pursue a career in retail or optics.
Based in north Nottinghamshire, with the train station a 5 minute walk away and A1 within touching distance, Retford is easily accessed from many surrounding towns, including Worksop, Doncaster, Mansfield, Newark and Lincoln. Retford opened its doors over 30 years ago and has become known locally for its first-class service, highly professional and knowledgeable team and dedication to supporting the local community. The store has just finished a major £350,000 expansion and refit at the end of 2025.
We're a successful business and it's all because of our amazing team. A shared passion for great service and doing right by the customer guides our journey. We're looking for a Customer Assistant that shares the same ethos, someone who thinks going above and beyond to impress our customers is all in a day's work, someone who is committed to perfecting the customer journey and upskilling themselves.
What's on offer?
- Salary - £12.91 per hour
- 37.5 hours per week to include 1 weekend day or alternate weekends
- 28 days holiday plus your birthday off!
- A private medical and dental cash plan
- Specsavers Perks - our discounted benefits scheme
- A paid “volunteering' day each year
- WeCare - a confidential employee support service, that includes free counselling, virtual GP service, legal and financial help, plus more
- Outstanding clinical and professional development opportunities
What does the role involve?
- Welcoming customers into store
- Booking in eye tests
- Pre-screening patients
- Providing style advice
- Measuring frames
- Taking phone calls
If Retford is starting to sound like a store you could call home, here are some of the skills we are looking for:
- A people person, who loves to chat to customers and work with a friendly team
- Great teamwork, we do our fair share and help each other out
- Confidence in technology, you don't need to know how to use our operating system, but general IT skills are a must
- A desire to develop and learn, not everyone who joins us wants to complete further professional training, this is no issue, but optics is a changing world and continuous development and improvement in role is essential
- Excellent communication skills, talking to customers is what we do!
We have a proven track record of looking after our people and developing their talents. With most of our Optical Assistants gaining their level 3 & 4 dispensing qualifications and some going on to study to become qualified Dispensing Opticians, Contact Lens Opticians and even Optometrists. For those who do not have a clinical passion, our management development offer, which includes in house training as well as courses and qualifications accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), has seen many colleagues progress into leadership roles both in store and the wider Specsavers group.
Who is this Apprenticeship for?
- Individuals with GSCE Maths at Grade 9-4 (A*-C), or an equivalent level qualification
- Individuals who have lived in the EU for 3 years or more, with the right to work in the UK
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.
Got what we're looking for? This job will close when it's filled, so don't delay, apply today!
Optical Assistant Apprentice in Retford employer: Specsavers
At Specsavers in Retford, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and forward-thinking employer that values our team members' growth and development. With a commitment to exceptional customer service, we offer extensive training opportunities, competitive salaries, and a range of benefits including a private medical plan and a paid volunteering day each year. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and encourages continuous learning, making it an ideal place for those looking to build a rewarding career in optics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optical Assistant Apprentice in Retford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Specsavers and their values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role is all about providing great service, think of examples from your past experiences where you've gone above and beyond for a customer. Be ready to share these during your chat!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! First impressions matter, so make sure you look smart and professional for your interview. It shows that you respect the opportunity and are serious about joining the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Optical Assistant Apprentice in Retford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:Let your passion for customer service shine through in your application. We want to see that you're excited about the opportunity to work with us and help our customers have a fantastic experience!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match what we're looking for. Mention any teamwork or communication skills you've got, as these are super important for us!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Optical Assistant Apprentice role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure we get your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity at our Retford store.
How to prepare for a job interview at Specsavers
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of optics and customer service. Brush up on common optical terms and think about how you can relate your past experiences to the role. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the position and ready to learn.
✨Show Your People Skills
Since this role is all about customer interaction, be prepared to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or worked well in a team. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company culture, training opportunities, or what a typical day looks like as an Optical Assistant. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Dress to Impress
Even though it’s a retail position, first impressions matter. Dress smartly and professionally for your interview. It reflects your seriousness about the role and aligns with the professional image the company wants to portray to its customers.
