After several years of planning two Modern Apprenticeships and two levels of National Vocational Qualifications will be presented to the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (SMC). The launch will represent the first clearly set career progression for optical technicians. The scheme will embrace 9,000 people. Two-thirds are technicians and operators, with 2,100 supervisors or senior technicians, 500 trainees and 400 senior technicians. The scheme will use the Modern Apprenticeship as the building block of a new structure (News Extra, May 26). There will be two levels of apprenticeship: the Foundation programme will provide training for young people to become technicians or operators. The Advanced level will prepare young people to become skilled technicians, senior operators and supervisors. City & Guilds has submitted its application for the NVQs at levels 2 and 3. The apprenticeships have been approved by the Department for Education and Employment.