Vision Express apprenticeship scheme re-opens

Optical chains have confirmed plans to continue growing their apprenticeship schemes following recent success.

Vision Express announced this week it was now accepting applications for its 2016 apprenticeship scheme, with nineteen paid training opportunities up for grabs across nine regions in England.

Launched two years ago, the Vision Express apprenticeship scheme has attracted an average of 40 applicants per place, with 3,000 hopefuls applying last year. Graduates qualify with a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Health (Optical Retail), equivalent to five GCSEs. They must be over 16 years old and not in full- or part-time education.

Specsavers honoured 100 optical assistants completing its apprenticeship programme at the ICC in Birmingham this week. A further 250 apprentices are currently completing its scheme. Founder Dame Mary Perkins said: ‘We believe that apprenticeships are a great way to unlock the potential of young people and provide a way for them to embark on successful and fulfilling careers.’