03 February 2021
Training provider, Training 2000, has introduced a new Optical Assistant Apprenticeship, which aims to support learners in employment of further study and practices seeking to hire apprentices or upskill their staff.
The provider suggested the course could support independent practices to access government funding for apprenticeship training, suggesting it is a “cost effective” way of training staff.
The Optical Assistant Apprenticeship is a 12-month course, including the end point assessment required to successfully complete the programme.
The apprenticeship aims to help students gain the knowledge and confidence needed for the role, such as understanding a clinically issued prescription and its effects on the eye and vision, as well as identifying the appropriate spectacles to meet a patient’s needs and being able to explain the features and benefits.
The company suggested: “Having an optical assistant apprentice could revitalise your business. Most learning materials can be used for in-practice training to benefit not only the apprentice, but your other employees too.”
The course will be run by lead tutor, Tony Douglas, who recently joined Training 2000 from his position as national dispensing optician training manager at Specsavers.
Speaking about his new role, Mr Douglas said: “I love dispensing optics and I aim to pass this enthusiasm on to others. It’s a really exciting time to be starting a new Optical Assistant Level 2 apprenticeship.
“Level 2 apprenticeships have been available to the multiple sector for several years but the independent sector, and those multiples not in a position to be apprenticeship providers, have not been able to access government funding for apprenticeship training, until now.”
The company added that practices considering hiring a new apprentice could be entitled to an incentive payment of up to £3000 per learner, adding, “This bonus is in place until 31 March 2021, so there is still plenty of time to claim.”
As part of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), the training provider can also offer a progression pathway from the Level 2 starting point.
The provider suggested the course could support independent practices to access government funding for apprenticeship training, suggesting it is a “cost effective” way of training staff.
The Optical Assistant Apprenticeship is a 12-month course, including the end point assessment required to successfully complete the programme.
The apprenticeship aims to help students gain the knowledge and confidence needed for the role, such as understanding a clinically issued prescription and its effects on the eye and vision, as well as identifying the appropriate spectacles to meet a patient’s needs and being able to explain the features and benefits.
The company suggested: “Having an optical assistant apprentice could revitalise your business. Most learning materials can be used for in-practice training to benefit not only the apprentice, but your other employees too.”
The course will be run by lead tutor, Tony Douglas, who recently joined Training 2000 from his position as national dispensing optician training manager at Specsavers.
Lead tutor, Tony Douglas, will lead the new programme
“Level 2 apprenticeships have been available to the multiple sector for several years but the independent sector, and those multiples not in a position to be apprenticeship providers, have not been able to access government funding for apprenticeship training, until now.”
The company added that practices considering hiring a new apprentice could be entitled to an incentive payment of up to £3000 per learner, adding, “This bonus is in place until 31 March 2021, so there is still plenty of time to claim.”
As part of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), the training provider can also offer a progression pathway from the Level 2 starting point.
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