Clear-sighted young people at an Exeter store have their eyes on a fulfilling career in the optical industry – and they are urging others to follow their apprenticeship lead.
During National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February), there is a wide range of companies across the county providing opportunities for people.
Among these is the Specsavers Exeter store, which has four young members of staff who have embarked on apprenticeships as the first step in their careers.
Among them is 19-year-old Alan Walsh, who is in the final stage of his Level 3 Optical Assistant apprenticeship, having worked at the store for 10 months.
He says: ‘Completing the apprenticeship for Specsavers is excellent because as you work you learn and are guided by experienced peers every step of the way. I have a much better understanding of my role within the store, and I look forward to developing further, gaining more experience and going on to a professional career path.’
Another teenager benefiting from the apprenticeships scheme is 16-year-old Shona May, who has been at the Exeter store for six months. She is aiming to complete the Optical Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3 course by January 2026.
Shona says: ‘The apprenticeship is a great opportunity to learn hands–on skills and get a deeper understanding of the optics industry while still earning money. It offers many different career paths and is a super rewarding job.
‘I would definitely recommend this way of learning because it builds your skills in the real world and also teaches you skills such as time management and how to deal with members of the public. I find that with this way of learning, I have more freedom and I am not so restricted as I would be at college.’
Nineteen-year-old Kieran Lauchlan is an optical assistant at the store, where he’s worked for two years. He completed his Optical Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3 last November and is now focused on becoming an optician.
Kieran says: ‘I enjoyed the apprenticeship because it gave me a unique learning opportunity. The quiet study time paired with the fast-paced shop floor learning made for a very successful and thorough learning experience. Additionally, working alongside experts in the field gave me the support and inspiration to really thrive.’
The fourth apprentice is 23-year-old Paul Gray, a lab technician who has worked at the Exeter store for three months. He is aiming to complete the Level 3 Spectacle Technician Apprenticeship by February 2026.
After completing his apprenticeship, Paul says he wants to focus on further development as a lab technician, ensuring he is making and supplying glasses to the highest standard.
He adds: ‘With the apprenticeship, you are given the chance to build a professional network that can aid you with your future development and career path as well as gaining a recognised qualification that is valued by employers.
‘The apprenticeship is a fantastic way of learning real skills without gaining thousands of pounds of student debt.’
Emma Denham, store director at Specsavers Exeter, says she is full of admiration for the city’s young apprentices.
She adds: ‘We are not only transforming people’s lives through caring for their eyes and ears, but now with career paths we are transforming local people’s lives too.
‘Apprenticeships introduce local people to a career in optics, often resulting in them getting degrees they never realised they would enjoy. We are very proud of our apprentices.’
The Specsavers Exeter store is at 248 High Street, or customers can call 01392 210604.
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