The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) in partnership with training provider Skillspoint has received government funding for a limited number of places on a training scheme for the L2 Diploma in Optical Retailing Skills.
For maximum funding, learners had to be aged 19-23 and not have five GCSEs at grade C and above, while partial funding would be available for learners over 24 and those with existing equivalent qualifications. This, said the WCSM, would give optical and dispensing assistants the opportunity of improving their skills, with minimum disruption to their work.
The diploma covers key retail skills needed in today's competitive marketplace, with units focusing on optical skills and eye care. It can be obtained through training and assessment in the workplace, with training given by in-house members of staff, WCSM trainers or through distance learning.
Funded learners will be expected to attend three one-day workshops at a regional venue, with details to be given later when student location and numbers were available. An employer contribution of £170 for all learners would cover registration, certification and administration, with employers also responsible for travel expenses to the workshops.
An application form can be downloaded here.