Specsavers launches placement scheme for Healthcare Sciences T Level

Specsavers has pledged to offer 100 placements in optical care services for students undertaking the new T Level qualification in Healthcare Science.

The Government-led T Level qualification for 16–19 year-olds launched in 2020 as an alternative to A-levels. Courses combine practical and knowledge-based learning at school or college, with industry placements of approximately 45 days.

From 1 September 2022, approved T Level providers will be able to register students on the optical care services specialism as part of the Healthcare Science qualification.

Announcing the placements, Specsavers shared that it hoped the initiative would encourage more education providers to offer the optical care services specialism as part of the Healthcare Science T Level.

Specsavers worked in partnership with an educational charity in vocational and technical learning, the Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE), on the scheme. NCFE is the largest T Level awarding organisation.

Dena Wyatt, national apprenticeship manager for UK apprenticeships at Specsavers, emphasised the importance of “supporting the next-generation of potential future stars of our industry.”

Wyatt shared that the industry placement is designed to suit the student and employer. The 45 days making up the placement can be planned out in week blocks, or spread over months with a day or two per week.

Zac Aldridge, director of qualifications and assessment at NCFE, commented: “It’s brilliant to see that awareness of T Levels is growing within different sectors.”

He added that, as the two-year mark of the qualification approaches, “it’s great to see them going from strength-to-strength. I’m looking forward to seeing their positive impact for years to come as more individuals fulfil their potential and progress to the next stage in their lives and careers.”