Optical Assistant Apprentice

Specsavers; Bedlington; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension auto-enrolment

Specsavers Perks

WeCare support

Headspace access

Eyecare discounts

Birthday day off

Enhanced family leave

Sick pay

Job summary

Specsavers in Bedlington offers an Optical Assistant Apprentice role with a 15–18 month training programme. You will learn on the job while earning a full-time wage, starting by welcoming customers, booking eye tests and taking measurements in a supportive team.

The apprenticeship includes structured learning, progression to a fully qualified Optical Assistant, and benefits such as pension auto‑enrolment, WeCare support, Headspace, and employee discounts.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and listening skills to assist customers
• Ability to work well in a team and provide excellent service
• Willingness to learn and develop within an optics environment

Responsibilities

• Welcoming customers into store
• Booking eye tests
• Pre-screening patients
• Providing style advice
• Measuring frames
• Taking phone calls

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

GCSE Maths (Grade 9-4)

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 team

Join our team as an Optical Assistant Apprentice, and you’ll discover why at Specsavers, we pride ourselves on providing the foundation for exciting, long‑term careers – a home where your previous optical expertise will be truly valued and where you’ll be given the opportunity to thrive.

As well as all the support you need and great training and development opportunities, we have a whole load of benefits on offer for you to enjoy. These include:

• £8.20 per hour
• Full Time - 40 hours per week, to include working a weekend day
• 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.