Optical retail apprentices graduate from Vision Express training scheme

A group of 17 young people have graduated from Vision Express’ optical retail apprenticeship scheme.

Completion of their Level 2, Intermediate Apprenticeship in Health (Optical Retail) qualification was formally recognised at a ceremony held at The Village Hotel in Beeston, Nottingham.

The graduates, aged between 17 and 21, have all been offered permanent roles with Vision Express.

The Vision Express apprenticeship scheme was first launched in 2014 and is managed and delivered by in-house optical experts. Candidates learn while being paid for their work, giving them essential hands-on experience with continual assessor support.

This year’s Apprentice of the Year is Fazeela Yasmeen Anwar, 19, who will be working at Vision Express’ Aylesbury store.

Ms Anwar said she decided to apply for the programme on the recommendation of her sister, who works as an optical assistant.

“I’d passed my first year at college but was ready for a new challenge and since then I haven’t looked back. It feels great to have graduated and I was thrilled to be awarded Apprentice of the Year,” she said.

Vision Express human resources director, Kate Gladsby, who joined the multiple as an apprentice, shared that close to 80% of apprentices progress to further professional development after they have qualified.

The apprenticeship scheme accepts new applications throughout the year. Applicants for the programme must be at least 16 years old and not in full or part time education.

For more information, visit the company’s website.

Image caption: Graduates of apprentice scheme, from left, Dichhaya Kaucha, Thomas Moller and Chloe Dixon