Shift Leader Review
at Specsavers
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Manufacturing
Stourport-on-Severn
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a Shift Leader at Specsavers IGS, I oversee night shift operations, managing lens glazing, assembly, quality control, and dispatch. Daily tasks include monitoring KPIs, mentoring team leaders and operators, managing training, addressing skill gaps, ensuring quality standards, improving workflows, and fostering colleague development to meet customer expectations efficiently.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Throughout my apprenticeship, I've significantly enjoyed developing new skills, particularly in leadership, mentoring, and change management. I've enhanced my confidence in managing complex workflows, addressing skill gaps effectively, and supporting colleagues’ professional growth, which has greatly benefited both my personal and professional development at Specsavers IGS.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
As Shift Leader, I've developed stronger leadership and mentoring skills, particularly through structured team training and the iCare programme. I've also enhanced my skills in change management, workflow optimisation, and quality assurance, enabling me to effectively support my team's growth and consistently meet operational and customer expectations.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My apprenticeship programme is well organised and clearly structured, with defined learning objectives and regular progress reviews. The balance between theoretical learning, practical application, and ongoing support from my coach ensures I stay on track, enabling me to effectively manage my studies alongside my responsibilities as a Shift Leader at Specsavers.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive excellent support from my employer, including regular one-to-one meetings with my line manager, structured training programmes, and clear communication about my apprenticeship goals. This ongoing support has significantly contributed to my professional development, enabling me to successfully balance apprenticeship requirements with my leadership responsibilities at Specsavers IGS.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive strong support from my training provider through regular coaching sessions, structured resources, timely feedback on assessments, and clear guidance on achieving my qualification objectives. This support helps me confidently manage my learning journey while effectively balancing my responsibilities as a Shift Leader at Specsavers IGS.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification significantly helps me perform better in my role by enhancing my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. It provides valuable knowledge and practical techniques, especially in managing change, mentoring teams, and improving operational efficiency, enabling me to effectively lead my shift and consistently meet the high standards at Specsavers IGS.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, at IGS, we have organised leader days specifically aimed at team-building activities, enhancing collaboration and strengthening professional relationships. Additionally, I regularly organise social activities for my night shift team, such as meals out and attending events like Cheesy Bingo, promoting team spirit, morale, and fostering a positive workplace environment.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Specsavers to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I recommend Specsavers as a GPTW because of its strong commitment to employee wellbeing, career growth, and skill development. The supportive environment, excellent training opportunities, and positive team culture make it an ideal place to build a rewarding career and make a meaningful impact by helping improve people's sight and hearing.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Specsavers?
When applying to Specsavers, demonstrate alignment with its behaviours—being compassionate, courageous, curious, collaborative, and commercial—and its core values: care for each other, do the right thing, and deliver on our promises. Highlight teamwork, adaptability, customer focus, and genuine enthusiasm for improving people's sight and hearing to showcase your suitability effectively.
