Optical & Aural Apprenticeships

Hearing Aid Dispenser
(Level 5)

Optical Assistant (Level 2)

Optometrist (Level 7)
in development

Dispensing Optician
(Level tbc) in development

Interview with Ryan Ing

When did you first start your apprenticeship?

“I started my apprenticeship in January 2021. I applied for the lab technician apprenticeship as it sounded like a fresh start and, rather than just a job, it sounded like a career path. As soon as I started on my first shift, I was welcomed by everyone in the store and instantly felt like I was part of the team.”

How did you find the apprenticeship overall?

“I was a bit unsure at first with all of the apprenticeship course work as I am not a very academic person, I am more of a learn by working type of person but, as soon as I started working in the Lab, i started getting support from my manager and other techs and the apprenticeship course work was not a problem. For the first time in my life I enjoyed sitting down and writing about all the interesting things I had learnt and researching into in-depths tasks handed to me.”

What help was available to you?

“From the get-go, I had help and support from my manager, lab colleagues and the whole store. When my coursework questions got tough everyone as happy to help me, and when I had questions regarding shop floor work, the dispensers let me shadow them and explain in detail how everything works and what everything does. My apprenticeship coach has always been there to help me with any questions about the work and any concerns I have.”

How do you think this apprenticeship differs from others?

“This is my first experience of an apprenticeship, but I would highly recommend an apprenticeship at Specsavers in any department. At no point have I felt unwelcome or like I’m just there to fill a space. From my experience, I have been pushed to become the best that I can be, and I have had all the support and help I could possibly need. My previous employment was a full time working position but I have learnt so much more on the apprenticeship than I did there. I came into the apprenticeship with no knowledge of spectacles or even the knowledge that there were labs at Specsavers. Coming from that to becoming an apprentice who can do almost anything in the lab confidently and efficiently has boosted my confidence, and I have met so many great people.”

What does the future hold for you now?

My goal is to be getting ready for my EPA (end-point assessment) in January 2022, then pass the assessment and become a qualified lab technician and become even more confident and efficient in my work. Then I will push for higher qualifications and learning all sorts of new and interesting things. Finally, my end goal is to become a lab manager or an apprenticeship coach to help future tech apprentices.