Assistants offered new diploma

A new qualification from the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) aims to help optical and dispensing assistants working in practice to improve their skills.

The WCSM Level 2 Diploma in Optical Retails Skills covers key retails skills needed in today's market and is an option for career development. The WCSM said the diploma used training in the workplace and gave a work-based approach to learning. It can be given by in-house members of staff, by WCSM trainers or through a distance learning programme.

Students can take the diploma as a stand-alone qualification or use it as a pathway to obtaining an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Health (Optical Retail), for which government funding is available for some students.