Apprentice Optical Assistant

At Vision Express, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment where everyone works together toward shared goals, rooted in our culture and values. We provide ample opportunities for growth and development, supporting your career ambitions every step of the way.

Looking for a unique retail apprenticeship opportunity. Join us at Vision Express on an 18-month program where you'll earn a level 3 qualification in Optical Retail while receiving comprehensive training and support.

This isn't your typical retail apprenticeship. As part of our team, you'll have more responsibility and involvement, playing a vital role in ensuring our customers feel special. With guidance from your store manager and our apprenticeship team, you'll learn the ins and outs of bringing our brand to life, selecting the right products, and delivering personalized experiences.

As an Optical Apprentice, you'll assist customers in finding eyewear that suits their needs, handle frame adjustments, repairs, fittings, and even perform pre-screening eye examinations and administrative tasks.



Training Outcome:

The successful candidate will work towards achieving a Level 3 qualification in optical and gain experience in a busy optical practice.

Upon completion of the Level 3 qualification, you will be an experienced and qualified optical assistant, and as such, you can continue building up skills that will always be in demand. Career breaks and part time working are often possible.

You could go on to acquire higher level optical qualifications such as:

Ophthalmic Dispensing- Become a qualified Dispensing Optician Contact lens Optician- fit Contact lenses Low vision specialist- help people where traditional spectacles will not suffice. Supply low vision aids, magnifiers, advice on improving contrast and on other non-Optical aids such as bump-ons Optometry courses- carry out full eye examinations and issue prescriptions Clinical representative- visiting practices introducing new frame ranges and Ophthalmic lenses In-practice trainer- You could use your knowledge to train others

Other non-clinical roles:

Practice Management  you could complete a management course Practice ownership, you could go into business yourself, partnership or franchise

Employer Description:

Vision Express opened their first opticians over thirty years ago in Gateshead. Today they have over 550 stores across the UK and Ireland.
At Vision Express, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment where everyone works together toward shared goals, rooted in their culture and values. They provide ample opportunities for growth and development, supporting your career ambitions every step of the way.



Working Hours :
Hours are 9:30am- 5.00pm, 5 out of 7 days to be agreed between the candidate and the Store Manager upon interview. Candidate will be required to work one weekend shift.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Team working,Initiative


  • Location:
  • Type: Permanent
  • Recruiter: TRAINING 2000 LIMITED
  • Posted: 23-Jul-2026
  • Posted on: findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk