APPRENTICES in Launceston have been able to share their positive experiences about their apprentice­ships within the chain opticians, Specsavers.

For National Apprenticeship week — starting from Monday March 14 until Sunday March 20 — Rosie Burford and Sarah Upchurch from Laun­ceston were among those speaking of their insightful experiences as apprentices.

Rosie, 20, completed her apprenticeship in February, and said: “When you leave school, it is really hard to know what career is right for you. For me, this is why an apprenticeship scheme has been so insightful.

“I have been exposed to lots of different disciplines that make this business successful — from accounting, to marketing, shop floor customer service, and the medical side with the eye tests.”

Sarah, 19, who is halfway through the scheme, added: “I am receiving day-to-day training and feel that I am developing and evolving my skills week by week.

“I am gaining so much confidence and experience in a friendly and supportive environ­ment. But the best part is that I have now found a career I want to pursue, and the scheme has opened so many doors to opportunities for me.”

With around 241 people enrolled on the scheme, Specsavers’ one-year apprenticeship scheme is available to anyone over the age of 16, with no previous optical experience required, resulting in having a qualification of being a trained optical assistant.

The apprenticeship involves a Level 2 Diploma in Optics, with monthly assessor visits and online learning. The apprentice is also given the vital opportunity to learn on the job, gaining all the experience that is needed to go into full-time work within the company.

The scheme has been running for just over two years, with around 90% of apprentices taking on full-time positions afterwards.

Further studying opportunities are also provided, with a dispensing optician apprenticeship available, taking five years to complete.

Julia Peggs, the store director for the Launceston store said: “We believe that apprenticeships are a great way to unlock the potential of young people, and provide a way for them to embark on successful and fulfilling careers.

“Our scheme benefits those who want to work their way up to qualifying as a dispensing optician. It’s also a great opportunity to give back to the community.”