Vision Express celebrates first wave of graduates

A group of youngsters are celebrating being the first graduates from an in-demand apprenticeship programme offering diverse career opportunities with national optical retailer Vision Express.

The 13-month employee-embedded scheme accepted its first recruits in February 2014, with Vision Express deluged by almost 3,000 applications to date. 

Every apprentice successfully completing the scheme has been offered a full time, permanent post as an optical assistant within Vision Express. They have qualified with a Level 2, Intermediate Apprenticeship in Health (Optical Retail), which is equivalent to five GCSEs.

Michaela Barton, 17, from Exeter, is one of the scheme’s success stories. She secured a coveted place on the programme after becoming disillusioned by further education. Michaela will complete her apprenticeship at the Exeter Vision Express store later this month.

She explains: “I’ve always thought apprenticeships were the best route for me, and would give a real step-up in my career and open up more opportunities.  It’s been hugely challenging but I’ve learned so much.  Everyone has been very supportive and I feel lucky to have gained a place on the scheme.”

Michaela is now considering where she’d like to relocate to, but has her sights firmly set on a career within Vision Express.  “I really want to stay with the company,” she adds.  “I want to gain more experience and then I’d like to train in marketing.  The apprenticeship has improved my confidence and made me grow up really quickly.  I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Rachael Billings, Exeter store manager, said: “The apprenticeship scheme is a fantastic way to nurture young, ambitious people who wish to pursue a skills route over traditional education, and Michaela is testament to that. The scheme has allowed her to develop her knowledge and skills at a significant pace and it’s rewarding that she is now eager to progress further within the company. We’re very proud of Michaela in-store - not only is she learning valuable working and life skills, we’ve seen her grow with confidence as a young woman. Embedding an apprentice into the business is a new way of working for us and we have thoroughly enjoyed the journey.”

The apprenticeship scheme is just one way Vision Express is helping tackle the issue of youth unemployment in the UK. Last year it joined The 5% Club, pledging to have 5% of its UK workforce comprising young people on structured training schemes over the next five years.

Kate Clayton, human resources director, said: “We’ve received an average of 40 applicants per position, which is a measure of just how much demand exists for a structured apprenticeship scheme, with a growing company that can offer unique and diverse career potential. We’re delighted that the feedback from our first graduates is so positive and that we’re in the position to retain their skills within the company. We wish them continued success with their future progression.”

A total of 67 apprentices have been placed at Vision Express since the scheme launched. Managed and delivered by in-house optical experts, it gives candidates the opportunity to earn while they learn, with assessor support and hands-on experience. The first intake will celebrate successful completion at an official graduation ceremony in June 2015.

The next apprenticeship intake starts in spring, with applications now open. To qualify candidates must be at least 16 years old and not in full or part time education.

A specially-commissioned video charting the experiences of Vision Express apprentices has been released to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week 2015. View it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acUROlBk414

For more information about the apprenticeships at Vision Express visit: www.visionexpresscareers.com