GOV.UK
Apprentice Optical Assistant PULLEN & SYMES LTD
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team as an Optical Assistant Apprentice. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is interested in pursuing a career in the optical industry and looking to gain valuable experience and skills.
Closing date: 26 Jan 2024
Apprenticeship summary
-
Annual wage
£11,830.00
-
Working week
Hours can be flexible between 30 and 35 depending on preference. Mon - Friday and occasional Saturdays.
Total hours per week: 35
-
Expected duration
18 Months
-
Possible start date
05 Feb 2024
-
Date posted
08 Nov 2023
-
Apprenticeship level
Advanced
Level 3 (A level) -
Reference number
VAC1000205887
-
Positions
1 available
What you will do in your working day
As our new apprentice, you will be working alongside our experienced team members to provide excellent customer service to our clients. You will be responsible for tasks such as booking appointments, dispensing glasses, maintaining accurate records, and providing advice to customers on the best products for their needs. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the latest optical technology and trends, and gain experience in a fast-paced and dynamic industry. This is a fun and exciting role that offers the chance to work with a great team of people, and to develop skills that will be valuable throughout your career.
The duties within this role include:
- Greeting customers in a professional and friendly manner as they enter the practice.
- Interpreting and understanding a clinically issued prescription, its effects on the eye, and the customer's vision.
- Helping customer's select spectacle frame(s) that are suitable in terms of comfort, looks good and fits lifestyle requirements.
- Be able to explain the features and benefits of particular frames, using non-technical customer friendly language.
- Measuring the frames and ensure they are a suitable size for a customer and can accommodate their lenses.
- Making adjustments to customers spectacle frames using the correct tools to ensure stability and comfort.
- Basic frame repairs.
- Have a good knowledge of Ophthalmic lenses, tints and coatings to be able to meet visual / lifestyle requirements .
- Ordering prescription glasses and contact lenses in for the customer.
- Correct completion of NHS paperwork and written records in-line with company procedures.
- Making follow up appointments for customers.
- Use a focimetre to find the prescription from spectacles.
- Communicate contact lenses suitability, features and benefits.
- Carrying out pre-screening tests such as retinal imaging and pressure and visual field testing.
- Explaining offers and products to customers.
- Taking payments from customers.
- Being able to problem solve with basic optical concerns
- Understanding business KPI's and how they affect the practices profitability
Employee Benefits Include:
- Your birthday off work
- No Sunday or bank holiday working
- Access to Simply Health (claim cash-back on health-care purchases)
- Retail discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
The training you will be getting
- Level 3 Optical Assistant Apprenticeship.
What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship
The successful candidate will work towards achieving a level 3 qualification in Optical with experience in a busy Optical Practice.
Upon completion of the Level 3 qualification, you will be an experienced and qualified optical assistant, and as such you can continue building up skills that will always be in demand. Career breaks and part time working are often possible.
You could go on to acquire higher level optical qualifications such as:
- Ophthalmic Dispensing- Become a qualified Dispensing Optician.
- Contact lens Optician - fit Contact lenses.
- Low vision specialist - help people where traditional spectacles will not suffice. Supply low vision aids, magnifiers, advice on improving contrast and on other non Optical aids such as bump-ons.
- Optometry courses - carry out full eye examinations and issue prescriptions.
- Clinical representative- visiting practices introducing new frame ranges and Ophthalmic lenses.
- In-practice trainer - You could use your knowledge to train others.
Other non-clinical roles:
- Practice Management - Go into a Management course.
- Practice ownership - Go into business yourself, partnership or Franchise.
Requirements and prospects
Desired skills and personal qualities
Qualifications
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade 4/C or above) Essential
Things to consider
About the employer
Employer
PULLEN & SYMES LTD
https://www.opticiansinexeter.co.uk/
Address
18 Mill Street
Ottery St. Mary
EX11 1AD
Training
Training provider
TRAINING 2000 LIMITED
Adjustments for experience
You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:
- training
- qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
- industry or sector experience
Contact
Lauren Reddaway
0125454659
Apprenticeship standard
Optical assistant 2022
Level 3 (A level)
Demonstrating experience
If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.
You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications
Before you apply
Before you apply for an apprenticeship you must first create an account. If you already have an account you'll need to sign in.