Apprentice optical assistant Review
at Specsavers
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Customer Service, Sales, Science
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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
4.8/5
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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
Everyday is different at Specsavers but I am either providing pre-screening services for customers before their sight test, adjusting people’s glasses, greeting them at the door, or dispensing a pair of glasses and recommending the right things whilst making sure to try all deals to find the cheapest price for customer. No matter what I’m doing I love getting to see new people every day and hear about their lives
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have wanted to work in optics ever since I was 6 years old and thought I’d have to go through years of school and studying. When I found out Specsavers were hiring for apprentices I was actually in college and was so pleased to be leaving when I found out I got the job. I was nervous on the first day and it took me some time to settle in, but now it feels like I’ve been at Specsavers forever and have formed so many good friendships with the people I work with. I would recommend the job to everyone I know.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed so many new skills, but talking to people every day has made me 100x more confident. I never struggle speaking to customers and have become more chatty outside of work.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Specsavers is usually well organised, but things can get pretty busy. Occasionally when I am getting my 4 hours of study time I will be called down to help on the shop floor, which does interrupt my study, but they always make sure I get whatever time I miss back.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There are so many kind co-workers I can talk to and I would feel safe speaking to any of them, not just the managers. Even if I don’t want to speak to anyone I can go online and write down any troubles I am having anonymously and get advice on what to do. No matter how I am feeling there will always be somebody there to help me.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I have calls every few weeks with my training providers where we go through what learning I’ve done, and I always get good feedback on it. I am set new learning objectives every time I have a call, and they always make sure I have a chance to bring up any concerns and give me a lot of opportunities to ask any questions I may have about my learning.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It seems like my training providers honestly care how I do at Specsavers. They don’t just set me tasks and expect me to get on with them, they make sure I’ve not got too much to do, I can get it all done in time, and even come in store some days for visits to check up on me, do some training in person, and offer any advice they have after observing me.
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
Everyone at work gets on great and are all very friendly. We regularly go to planned activities my the managers such as go-carting and drinks after work which sometimes include pub quizzes planned activities few days in advance by a small group of us.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Specsavers to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I actually have recommended Specsavers to a few friends and they have been for interviews. Everyday is different and I love meeting new people, it helps with everyday life skills which I think can benefit anyone if they try hard enough.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Specsavers?
Be friendly, honest, and ask questions. They would much rather you ask a silly question than guess and get something wrong. Everyone working there is there to help you and will happily do it if you just ask.
