The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (SMC) is providing specific training programmes and qualifications for optical staff in sub-professional grades, offering them nationally-recognised career progression opportunities.
Training is supported by tutors and undertaken by distance learning. Material is sent out unit by unit each month and examinations take place at venues across the country. During 2009, it is expected that candidates for the Level 2 awards will also have the option of e-assessment in the workplace.
All the qualifications are accredited by Ofqual (QCA), the English national accrediting authority and recognised formally by the regulatory bodies in Wales and Northern Ireland. They are recognised informally by the Scottish authorities.
The SMC's qualifications fall into two groups. For support staff there are the Levels 2 and 3 certificates in Optical Practice Support. The Level 2 qualification is designed for relatively inexperienced optical assistants and receptionists, while Level 3 is for those who wish to expand their knowledge and become senior assistants or practice supervisors/managers.
They are useful either on their own or as stepping stones to a career as a dispensing optician. The certificates also attract some accreditation for prior learning from the ABDO College.
For optical technicians, the SMC offers the Level 2 certificate in Optical Production Processes, the Level 4 certificate for Optical Technicians and, from 2009, the Level 3 Certificate in Optical Production Processes.
The Level 2 qualification is designed for technicians and production operators who work in any aspect of the manufacture of spectacles or contact lenses and the Level 3 for senior technicians and operators.
The Level 4 qualification is for supervisors and more experienced staff involved in spectacle manufacturing only. It is recognised as the 'gold standard' in the industry and is described by the SMC as 'an excellent stepping stone to further career development within both the optical industry and the optical professions'.
The next round of courses starts in September 2008, with the next examinations to be held in December 2008 and June 2009.
? Full details can be obtained from the SMC, including the syllabi for all awards. Details: 020 7236 2932/8645 or email administrator@spectaclemakers.com