Optical Assistant Apprentice

Specsavers; Basingstoke and Deane; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£8.20 per hour

Full Time - 37.5 hours

No Sunday working

Free parking

Pension enrollment

Specsavers Perks

WeCare

Headspace subscription

Eyecare and hearcare discounts

Birthday day off

Enhanced family leave

Job summary

Specsavers Whitchurch Apprenticeship is a 15–18 month paid program in a busy optics environment. You’ll spend full-time hours (37.5) with Saturdays included, gaining hands-on training alongside experienced staff.

You’ll learn eye tests support, customer service, frame measuring, and day-to-day store operations, becoming a qualified Optical Assistant by the end of the apprenticeship.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths (A*-C) or equivalent required.
• EU residence for 3+ years with right to work in the UK required.

Responsibilities

• Welcomes customers into store and provides friendly customer service.
• Assists with booking eye tests and pre-screening patients.
• Provides style advice and helps customers choose frames.
• Measures and fits frames and takes phone calls as needed.

Education

GCSE Maths A-C

Job description

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

Located in the heart of Whitchurch, the Specsavers store is easily accessible and benefits from excellent local amenities and the added convenience of free on-site parking. The store features two test rooms and serves a loyal and diverse customer base, offering a wide range of optical and audiology services in a modern and welcoming environment. With a strong focus on delivering outstanding customer care, the team takes pride in creating a positive experience for every customer, making it a fantastic place to develop your skills and build a rewarding career.

The store has built an excellent reputation for delivering a consistently high standard of service and has been recognised for its commitment to customer care through a number of prestigious awards. Last year, the team was proud to receive the Customer Excellence Award for Customer Care, alongside winning the highly regarded Mary Perkins Customer Care Award. Continuing this success, the store has also been nominated for Business of the Year, reflecting the dedication, professionalism, and customer-first approach demonstrated by the team every day.

Our team

The team at Specsavers Whitchurch is friendly, supportive, and passionate about providing excellent customer care. Team members work closely together to create a welcoming environment for both customers and colleagues, with a strong focus on teamwork, development, and shared success. Whether you’re new to optics or bringing previous experience, you’ll be supported by an experienced team who are committed to helping you learn, grow, and build a rewarding career within the business.

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.

• £8.20 per hour
• Full Time - 37.5 hours, to include working Saturdays
• No Sunday working!
• Free parking!
• 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
• Pre-screening patients
• Providing style advice
• Measuring frames
• Taking phone calls

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.