National Vocational Qualifications for optical assistants are a step closer following the granting of funding from the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority.
Funding for the National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (NVQ/SVQ) has been secured through the Science Technology and Mathematics Council. Earlier attempts to develop NVQ/SVQ for receptionists have failed because of an over-complex structure and lack of practical support.
The optical sector strategy group outlined a programme of training for optical assistants last month and a group has now been assembled to put together a qualification programme.
Representatives from Dollond & Aitchison, Vision Express, Specsavers, National Eyecare Group and Sight Care are in the project steering group. Anyone interested in participating in the project should contact Gordon Jones on 0118 944 2877.