Optical Assistant Apprentice
Job description
Original text imported from Reed
Are you a caring individual looking to start your career in an Optics environment? You've come to the right place.
As well as being passionate and motivated in everything you do, it's important that you're also a great listener and communicator - as that's what excellent service is all about. In addition to having great communication skills, you'll also be a team player and have a real passion for making a difference, both in your development and within the business.
Our Apprenticeship scheme gives people of all ages the chance to boost their existing skillset and kickstart an exciting new career as part of a forward-thinking business, all whilst earning a full-time wage.
Our store
Our Haywards Heath store sits in the heart of a vibrant shopping hub, surrounded by a wide mix of well-loved retailers, cafés, and local businesses, many of which are located within The Orchards Shopping Centre. The area offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place for both customers and colleagues. The store has some on-site parking available, and public transport links are excellent, with regular train services connecting Haywards Heath to surrounding towns, as well as reliable local and regional bus routes providing easy access for commuters.
Our team
The Haywards Heath store is supported by a team of 18 dedicated colleagues who bring a great blend of experience, energy, and customer-focused commitment to their roles. They work closely together to create a positive, supportive, and friendly atmosphere, ensuring customers feel welcomed and well looked after. With strong teamwork and a shared pride in delivering excellent service, the team plays a vital part in making the store an enjoyable place to both work and shop.
What's on offer?
Our apprenticeship scheme gives you the chance to really set yourself up for a great career in a fantastic company, and earn a full-time wage at the same time.
You'll not only spend 15-18 months in a paid job, but also learn your trade while surrounded by our friendly, passionate and highly experienced team who'll support you every step of the way.
- £10.85ph - £12.91ph
- Full Time - 40 hours per week (to include weekend working)
- We will auto-enroll you into the pension scheme with an employer contribution when you contribute too
- Specsavers Perks - a portal to a world of great everyday discounts and savings
- WeCare - our employee support service to help you and your immediate family when you need it most
- Complimentary subscription to the Headspace app
- Eyecare and hearcare discounts for you and your family
- Enjoy an additional paid day off on your birthday to celebrate you!
- Enhanced family leave and company sick pay
Your on-the-job training will sit alongside structured learning and at the end of the 15-18 months as an apprentice, you'll be a fully-fledged Optical Assistant.
Who is this Apprenticeship for?
If this is still sounding like a bit of you, we do need you to have a few skills to get started as an Optical Assistant Apprentice.
- You'll need a grade 9-4 (A*-C) GCSEs in Maths (or equivalent/predicted result)
- Individuals who have lived in the EU for 3 years or more, with the right to work in the UK
What does the role involve?
- Welcoming customers into store
- Booking in eye tests
- Pre-screening patients
- Providing style advice
- Measuring frames
- Taking phone calls
Find out more
For more detailed information about the Specsavers Apprenticeship programme, please click the link below.
Apprenticeships at Specsavers | Specsavers UK Careers
It's essential that you haven't previously worked in the Optical Sector. Before applying, please check that you are able to travel to the store location on a daily basis.
Got what we're looking for? This job will close when it's filled, so don't delay, apply today!
Key skills
AI-extracted from the job advert
Application advice
5 AI-generated recommendations to maximise your chances.
⭐ Emphasise your customer-facing experience and communication skills at the top of your CV, as the advert stresses "great listener and communicator" multiple times.
📊 Quantify any retail or service experience: "Served 40+ customers daily", "Processed £2,000+ in daily transactions", or "Maintained 95% customer satisfaction".
🌐 Highlight any existing knowledge of health, wellbeing, or optical/hearing sectors, even if informal (e.g. "Researched eye health trends", "Supported family member with vision care").
🎯 Show evidence of teamwork: mention group projects, collaborative roles, or how you've contributed to a positive team environment in previous roles.
🤝 Reference your motivation to learn and develop: apprenticeships reward candidates who show genuine enthusiasm for upskilling over 15-18 months.
Suggested CV bullets
3 bullets our AI drafted for this specific advert, mirroring its ATS keywords.
Add these 3 bullets under your most recent experience:
- •Delivered customer service in busy retail environment, assisting 30+ customers weekly and maintaining positive feedback through attentive listening and clear communication.
- •Supported team of 8 colleagues in fast-paced retail setting, contributing to stock management and till operations across 40-hour working weeks including weekend shifts.
- •Demonstrated reliability and motivation by completing training programmes and developing new skills, achieving 100% attendance over 6-month period.
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Letter preview — tailored to Specsavers
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the Optical Assistant Apprentice position at Specsavers in Haywards Heath. Your apprenticeship scheme appeals to me because it combines hands-on training in optics with structured learning, and I am drawn to a role where strong communication and listening skills are central to delivering excellent customer service in a supportive team environment.
My background in customer-facing roles has taught me the importance of being a reliable team player and understanding customer needs. I am motivated to develop new skills and am ready to commit fully to the 15–18 month apprenticeship, including the full-time 40-hour week and weekend working.
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Interview questions
10 questions generated from this advert.
Technical
- ›What do you understand by the role of an Optical Assistant, and what tasks do you think you'll be performing day-to-day?
- ›How would you handle a customer who is unsure about their prescription or eyewear options?
- ›Describe your experience with customer-facing retail systems or point-of-sale technology.
- ›What do you know about eye health and common vision problems that customers might present with?
- ›How would you manage your time across on-the-job training, structured learning, and your 40-hour working week?
Behavioural
- ›Tell me about a time you provided excellent customer service. What did you do, and what was the outcome?
- ›Describe a situation where you had to work closely with a team to achieve a goal. What was your role?
- ›Give an example of when you had to listen carefully to someone's needs and adapt your approach accordingly.
- ›Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work. How did you handle it and what did you learn?
- ›Why are you interested in starting your career in optics, and what attracts you to Specsavers specifically?
STAR answer examples
Model answers using the Situation-Task-Action-Result framework. Adapt to your own experience.
Tell me about a time you provided excellent customer service. What did you do, and what was the outcome?
Describe a situation where you had to work closely with a team to achieve a goal. What was your role?