Specsavers has pledged to offer 100 placements in optical services for those studying the new government-led T Level qualification in healthcare science.
It was hoped that by working in partnership with educational charity NCFE, the scheme would increase the number of people entering the profession.
Dena Wyatt, national apprenticeship manager for UK apprenticeships at Specsavers, said: ‘Supporting the next generation of potential future stars of our industry is hugely important and something that Specsavers is passionate about for the benefit of all, not least for colleagues across the sector but customers as well.’
The 45-day placements are designed to suit the employer and the student, and can be completed over a short period or by working a day or two at a time over a month.
T Levels are two-year courses for 16-19 year olds and are the equivalent to studying three A Levels.
Qualifications are created with employers to reflect the needs of the sector.
Specsavers hoped its offer would encourage further education providers to offer the optical care services specialism as part of the healthcare science T Level, with any placements then running from 2024.