A GROUP of three apprentices from across the South West, including one from Bude, are celebrating after graduating as part of the ‘Class of 2017’, gaining a nationally recognised qualification in optical retail with Vision Express.

The ambitious youngsters beat off stiff competition to earn their place on the scheme, which launched in 2014, with the national optician deluged by over 15 applications per place.

Managed and delivered by in-house optical experts, the 13-month employee-embedded programme gives candidates the opportunity to earn while they learn, with assessor support and hands-on experience.

The South West graduates were among those honoured at an official national ceremony, held at the East Midlands Conference Centre, all of whom have qualified with a Level 2, intermediate apprenticeship in health (optical retail), which is equivalent to five GCSEs.

Among those graduating was 21-year-old Esther Slade from Bude, 20-year-old Keira Bergan-Osbourne from Bath and 18-year-old Hollie Bury from Bournemouth. All three have been offered permanent positions and will continue their career with Vision Express as qualified optical assistants.

Esther, who has been offered a permanent position at the Bude store, was presented with ‘going above and beyond’ award. She said: “I was not expecting to win an award, but it was lovely to be recognised. I’m keen to continue my development with Vision Express, and train to be a dispensing optician. I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship scheme to anyone looking for a route into a career in optometry.”

The class of 2017 achieved an above average pass rate and nine in ten graduates were offered a permanent position upon completion. It follows education regulator Ofsted recentling awarding Vision Express a ‘good’ rating across all areas of its apprenticeship programme.