Member Article

Friendly Congleton apprentice celebrates graduation from in-demand scheme

An apprentice from Congleton is celebrating after graduating as part of the ‘Class of 2017’, gaining a nationally-recognised qualification in optical retail with Vision Express.

Karim Aomari, 22, beat off stiff competition to earn his place on the scheme, which launched in 2014, with the national optician deluged by over 15 applications per place.

Managed and delivered by in-house optical experts, the 13-month employee-embedded programme gives candidates the opportunity to earn while they learn, with assessor support and hands-on experience.

Karim was among those honoured at an official national ceremony, held at the East Midlands Conference Centre, all of whom have qualified with a Level 2, Intermediate Apprenticeship in Health (Optical Retail), which is equivalent to five GCSEs. He has been offered a permanent position at the Congleton store and will continue his career with Vision Express as a qualified optical assistant.

He was also presented with the ‘friendliest apprentice’ award. “It feels amazing to win - it was a complete surprise,” he said. “It’s been fantastic to graduate and celebrate with all the other apprentices. I can now look at what Vision Express can offer me so I can progress my training.

“Following my graduation, I’ve been thinking that I would perhaps like to become a trainer within the company as I would love to be able to pass on my experience and knowledge to others.”

The Class of 2017 achieved an above average pass rate and nine in 10 graduates were offered a permanent position upon completion. It follows education regulator Ofsted recently awarding Vision Express a ‘Good’ rating across all areas of its apprenticeship programme.

Kate Clayton, who was herself an apprentice and has progressed through the organisation to become a member of the company executive team as Human Resources Director, said: “I am very proud of every single one of our Class of 2017.Now they are on the career ladder at Vision Express, there’s a huge number of possibilities for them, with several of our apprenticeship graduates from recent years advancing to management roles.

“My congratulations to Karim on his successful completion of the apprenticeship scheme – the sky is the limit for him now.”

Vision Express was the first retailer to join The 5% Club, pledging to have 5% of its UK workforce comprising young people on structured training schemes over the next five years, with its popular apprenticeship programme just one way it is helping tackle the issue of youth unemployment in the UK.

The next apprenticeship intake starts in late November, with applications open now. To qualify candidates must be at least 16 years old and not in full or part time education, with a great attitude and aptitude to learn.

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