College wins WCSM approval

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College has been approved as a Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) assessment centre for the new Level 2 Diploma in Optical Retail Skills.

Designed for optical and dispensing assistants working in practice, the course uses training and unit-by-unit assessment in the workplace carried out by the college assessors. Optional online units are also available.

The diploma can also be taken as part of the intermediate level Apprenticeship in Health (Optical Retail), for which full government funding is available for eligible learners.

Also under way are two short qualifications for optical technicians. The Level 2 award in Glazing Spectacles and Level 3 award in Rimless Glazing have been developed in partnership with the FMO.