Optical career in the frame for Walsall apprentices

Specsavers on Park Street are celebrating team members who have excelled through apprenticeships. Harjeevan Takhar, 18, and Madaniyah Saleem, 17 are currently mid-way through the Specsavers optical assistant apprenticeship programme, following in the footsteps of their colleague Taaniya Rasheed, 23, who recently qualified with a distinction. 

A further success story, Abii Storey, 29, joined the team in search of a new challenge and found the prospect of a position that enables you to learn on the job appealing. Abii started her initial optical assistant apprenticeship in 2019. She then went on to complete further qualifications and took on the role of clinical technician, before starting the dispensing optician apprenticeship in September 2024 to further develop her expertise. 

"The programme has been fantastic and the support of the team has allowed me to develop new optical skills and grow in confidence," says Abii. "It’s exciting to know that there are so many pathways available after qualifying, and while I start this next chapter to become a dispensing optician, I’m excited to see what else I learn along the way."

Taaniya also joined Specsavers to explore a career path with the opportunity to grow and progress. 

"I’ve enjoyed the mix of hands-on, practical learning and studying, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made since the start of the programme," comments Taaniya. "My colleagues have been really helpful and supportive, and I’m excited to continue my career with Specsavers."

Store director at Specsavers Walsall, Justine Page, adds: "Apprenticeships are a great way to unlock the potential of young people or those looking for a career change, as well as provide a way for individuals to embark on successful and fulfilling careers. We’re proud to help our apprentices grow and develop. Harjeevan, Madaniyah, Taaniya and Abii are all assets to our team and we can’t wait to see them flourish in their careers."

Apprenticeships available through Specsavers offer the chance to learn in a safe, structured environment, providing them with hands-on experience, great training and a qualification at the end of it. The Optical Assistant apprenticeship is open to anyone over the age of 16 and learners can gain a nationally recognised certificate at the end of the programme. Apprentices are given responsibilities as training progresses and there are plenty of opportunities to progress further after completing training. 

Anyone interested in applying for an apprenticeship with Specsavers can visit: join.specsavers.com/uk/apprenticeships and search for apprenticeships.