Vision Express apprentices get insight from The Apprentice finalist

Vision Express has held a Q&A session with a finalist from The Apprentice for the latest group of young people starting the multiple’s apprenticeship programme.

Elizabeth McKenna, who finished fourth on the BBC show in 2017, spoke to 14 apprentices at the company’s head office in Ruddington ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (5–9 March).

Ms McKenna, who is a Nottingham-based florist, gave the group insight into the opportunities that taking up an apprenticeship course can offer.

She told the apprentices that after completing a foundation course in college, she undertook a Level 3 apprenticeship in floristry. Ms McKenna now sits on the British Florist Association’s committee.

“To be able to learn ‘on the job’ is hugely beneficial and I hope that I succeeded in motivating this bright new group of apprentices for their journey ahead,” Ms McKenna said.

Every apprentice that completes Vision Express' apprenticeship programme has the opportunity to secure a full time, permanent position as an optical assistant within the multiple and will qualify with a Level 2, Intermediate Apprenticeship in Health (Optical Retail).

Sophie Mason, a 24-year-old Vision Express apprentice at its Wilmslow practice, said: “I found Elizabeth’s talk very informative, particularly how she began her career with an apprenticeship then carried on into higher education, which is something that I’m interested in pursuing.”

Career potential

The Vision Express apprenticeship scheme is a 13-month course that gives apprentices the chance to ‘earn while they learn.’ A total of 212 people have been offered an apprenticeship at the multiple since the scheme launched in 2014.

Head of learning and development at Vision Express, Matt Burton, said: “Vision Express’ reach is expanding enormously with the opening of more than 200 Vision Express at Tesco outlets across the UK scheduled in 2018.

“Our new recruits can thrive within a growing company offering unique and diverse career potential and we wish them every success both on the scheme and with their future at Vision Express.”

The multiple is currently looking for apprentices to start in April in over 40 locations.