Member Article

Newcastle apprentice wins place at Vision Express

Newcastle apprentice wins place on nationally-recognised scheme attracting over 40 hopefuls per place

An ambitious 19-year-old from Newcastle is celebrating during National Apprenticeship Week (14-18 March 2016), after securing a coveted place on an in-demand apprenticeship programme with national optician Vision Express.

Daniel Gould has recently taken up a post at the Newcastle Vision Express store in the Eldon Square shopping centre on the 13-month employee-embedded scheme, which received 3,000 applications last year alone.

He was selected from a pool of candidates, with over 40 hopefuls vying for every spot on the scheme. Daniel will be working towards a Level 2, Intermediate Apprenticeship in Health (Optical Retail), which is equivalent to five GCSEs.

Daniel applied for the programme after he decided he wanted a job with more opportunities.

He explains: “I had been working part-time as a waiter, but decided I wanted to find an opportunity that would give me more of a career. The Vision Express apprenticeship appealed to me because it seemed exciting and suited my skill set, whilst offering the ability to learn new things too.

“I really enjoy speaking to customers and find doing the pre-test checks really interesting. When I found out I’d got on to the apprenticeship scheme at Vision Express I couldn’t wait to start because it is such a great opportunity.”

Sharron Gordon-Yule, store manager at Vision Express Newcastle said: “The apprenticeship scheme is a fantastic way to nurture young, ambitious people who wish to pursue a skills route over traditional education.

“We’ll help Daniel develop his knowledge and skills and there will be a wealth of opportunities available to him to progress further within the company. Embedding an apprentice into the business has proven to be a positive way of working and we’re thrilled to have Daniel as a new addition to our team.”

The apprenticeship scheme is just one way Vision Express is helping tackle the issue of youth unemployment in the UK. Last year it joined The 5% Club, pledging to have 5% of its UK workforce comprising young people on structured training schemes over the next five years.

Kate Clayton, human resources director at Vision Express, who joined the organisation as an apprentice, said: “We’ve received an average of 40 applicants for every position on this scheme, which is a measure of just how much demand exists for a structured apprenticeship, with a growing company that can offer unique and diverse career potential.”

Vision Express CEO Jonathon Lawson added: “Vision Express is fundamentally a people business. Our employees are passionate about what we do, so it’s fantastic to bring in new talent, like Luke, who are keen to share our journey.”

Managed and delivered by in-house optical experts, the scheme it gives candidates the opportunity to earn while they learn, with assessor support and hands-on experience.

The next apprenticeship intake starts in spring, with applications now open. To qualify candidates must be at least 16 years old and not in full or part time education.

For more information about the apprenticeships visit Vision Express’ careers website.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Vision Express .