Apprenticeships gain momentum in optics

Apprenticeships in the optical profession remain in the spotlight after a practice in Sale recruited a new apprentice receptionist.

Recent school leaver 17-year-old Savannah Walker-Ellis has joined Maloney Opticians under a scheme in which she and staff at both the practice and national training firm Intraining, will decide whether a Business Administration or Customer Service apprenticeship will suit her skills and goals.

Maloney Opticians approached Intraining after the practice struggled to recruit a suitable receptionist. The company said the idea of taking on an apprentice was new to the practice, but added that the scheme had its own merits, such as a £1,500 government grant for small businesses taking on apprentices for the for the first time.