Member Article

Hull apprentice has success in her sights

An ambitious 18-year-old from Hull, is celebrating during National Apprenticeship Week (6-10 March 2017), after securing a coveted place on an in-demand apprenticeship programme with national optician Vision Express.

Chloe Blackburn has taken up a full-time post at the Hull Vision Express store on the 13-month employee-embedded scheme, which has received over 5,500 applicants since it began in February 2014.

Chosen from an average of 46 applicants for each available post, Chloe will be working towards a Level 2, Intermediate Apprenticeship in Health (Optical Retail), which is equivalent to five GCSEs.

Chloe says she had wanted to do a million different things as a career when younger but had never even thought of the optical industry. “This is actually my second apprenticeship – my first being in Business and Administration at Hull Business Training Centre.” she explains. “I enjoyed it but found it to be quite vague, whereas the Vision Express scheme is much more focused, offering a specific trade but with lots of career paths to choose from.

“I’m finding it really interesting and everyone in the team is so helpful. I’m hoping I can continue to train to become an optometrist with Vision Express as I already really feel like I’m part of the team and everyone is encouraging me to pursue this career.

“The apprenticeship route is better than studying at university because I get paid to learn. I’ve even been recommending it to my younger brothers and sisters recently. Anyone thinking about doing the apprenticeship should 100% do it.”

Anthony Rees, store manager at Vision Express Hull, said: “Our apprenticeship programme continues to be extremely popular and is a fantastic way to nurture young, ambitious talent. We are working closely with Chloe to develop her knowledge and skills and hopefully opening up a wealth of career options to enable her to progress further within the company.”

The apprenticeship scheme is just one way Vision Express is helping tackle the issue of youth unemployment in the UK. In 2015 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, who joined the organisation as an apprentice, said: “It’s great to nurture new talent like Chloe’s. Vision Express is a people company and we continue to see a high demand from ambitious youngsters who are keen to share our journey.”

Vision Express CEO Jonathan Lawson added: “Vision Express is a growing company offering unique and diverse career potential and, an average of 46 applicants per position, proves our apprenticeship programme continues to be very popular.”

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

The spring apprenticeship intake starts on 8 March. The June intake will be open for applications from late March. To qualify candidates must be at least 16 years old and not in full or part time education.

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