Apprentice Optical Administrator / Assistant

SOLENT SPECTACLES LIMITED

Southampton (SO40 3AG)

Closes on Monday 30 November 2026

Posted on 9 October 2026

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Summary

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, reliable and keen to learn. Previous experience is not essential, as full training will be provided. You should have good communication skills, a positive attitude and be comfortable working as part of a team.

Wage

£14,560 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

This is starting salary and will increase inline with your achievements.

Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday- Saturday on a rota basis.

35 hours a week

Start date

Sunday 6 December 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Working alongside an experienced team to develop a broad range of service to include:

  • Administrative duties
  • Customer service
  • Business skills

You will play an important role in supporting the day-to-day running of the business and ensuring our patients receive a welcoming, professional and efficient service.

You will also develop an understanding of how an optical business operates, gaining insight into the industry.

Where you'll work

58-60 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO40 3AG

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

HRUC (HARROW, RICHMOND & UXBRIDGE COLLEGES)

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
  • Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
  • Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
  • Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
  • Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
  • Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
  • Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
  • Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

Apprentices will be required to attend college at least x1 day per week either at Uxbridge, Harrow or Hayes Campus completing necessary mandatory training and units associated with the apprenticeship.

The apprentice will be required to complete:

  • Work towards gaining a full Qualification
  • Employment Rights and Responsibilities
  • Skills, Knowledge, and Behaviours
  • Standard and End Point Assessment
  • Functional Skills in English, Maths, and ICT (if required)

Other training will be provided by the employer as required to enable the fulfilment of the job role.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade 4-9)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working
  • Logical
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience

Other requirements

  • Candidate will be trained in spectacle dispensing

About this employer

Solent Spectacles believes in the business of family values and supporting our local community. We are committed to providing exceptional service and quality optical products at a price to suit every customer's needs

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

  • Opportunity to be offered a role as an Optical Assistant

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

HRUC (HARROW, RICHMOND & UXBRIDGE COLLEGES)

Llinos Morris

llinos.morris@hruc.ac.uk

01895 853333

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000058394.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 30 November 2026

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.