Boots employees first to take apprenticeship

Over 1,000 non-professional staff at Boots Opticians will take an apprenticeship for optical retailing over the next two years.

Boots, which was instrumental in setting up the scheme, was the first optical business to join when it was launched earlier this month by the awarding organisation EDI. The apprenticeship in optical retailing is available industry-wide and offers a nationally recognised qualification.

The scheme offers a career path to non-professional staff working in optics. The Optical Sector Steering Group was also involved in setting up the scheme, which is designed for employees from any size of company.

The standard apprenticeship leads to a diploma in Optical Retail Skills Level 2, equivalent to five GCSEs. An advanced apprenticeship provides a Level 3 diploma, equivalent to an A-level, which can be used in entry to a trainee dispensing optician programme.