Former apprentice Kirstie Allmond celebrates becoming a dispensing optician after completing her apprenticeship in Abingdon.
Kirstie didn’t want to learn only in school, so the apprenticeship seemed like a better fit. She wanted to help people and work in healthcare, and Specsavers had a helpful apprenticeship.
She learned what the role included in interviews and was excited to start with the team. After her apprenticeship, she got a full-time job and became an optical assistant at the store.
Next, she trained for three more years while working full-time. This helped her become a dispensing optician, feeling ready because of her start as intern.
Kirstie shared her story after a special week called National Apprenticeship Week, which ran from February tenth to sixteenth.
Andrew Threlfall, who directs the store, said Kirstie helps the team a lot; she balanced work and studying, while continuously learning.
Apprenticeships unlock potential, said Andrew, which is true for young people and those changing careers, allowing them to learn new skills.