As someone who runs multiple Specsavers shops, I know how difficult the recruitment landscape has become for SMEs, with fewer applicants, more competition, and a growing gap between the skills we need and the experience candidates bring. Now more than ever, we need reliable routes to develop talent from the ground up, and apprenticeships have become an essential part of that strategy. Recruiting new colleagues as a small business can be daunting. Time away from the shop floor is a luxury we rarely have, and the process of finding the right person, is time consuming. Before apprenticeships, we struggled to attract candidates who were both capable and committed. Having Specsavers Recruitment Services on hand to screen and introduce apprentices has been transformative. It’s not just about filling a vacancy; it’s about finding someone who fits, learns, and grows with us.
The benefits of apprenticeships have been remarkable. Every apprentice we’ve taken on has brought energy and enthusiasm to the team. The training they receive from the Apprenticeship team is far more in-depth than anything we could deliver and we don’t lose two people from the floor, although of course we offer support and development. The academic and welfare support they get is outstanding, and the regular coaching and feedback loops apprentice and employer on track. We’ve seen incredible results, with every apprentice achieving distinctions. That translates directly into better dispensers, more knowledgeable staff, and stronger sales. The flexibility in pay and reduced labour costs during the first year also make it a smart business move. Now that apprenticeships are open to all ages, we encourage every new starter to join the programme, it’s simply better than anything else we can offer in-store.
Specsavers understand exactly what our stores need and tailor the apprenticeship programme to suit both the learner and the business. Everything taught is directly relevant to the role, and the support—both for apprentices and employers—is exceptional. Apprentices come out of the programme fully prepared, and we can offer them permanent roles straight away. That smooth transition from training to employment is a huge benefit. What makes this even more important is that Specsavers is one of only two providers in the country offering Optical Apprenticeships. While general customer service and retail apprenticeships are great, they don’t give our colleagues the specialist skills we need in optics.
This isn’t just about filling roles. It’s about building careers, strengthening teams, and raising the standard across the board. Apprenticeships through Specsavers aren’t a fallback—they’re a first choice. And for businesses like mine, they’re an essential part of our growth and success.
We’re training future optical assistants and spectacle technicians, roles that demand technical knowledge, precision, and high standards of care. Without access to industry-specific programmes, it’s incredibly difficult for SMEs to recruit and develop the right talent. I know how limited access to apprenticeships in this industry can be. Specsavers being an Employer Provider takes away that difficulty. It removes the barriers that so many small businesses face—whether that’s time, cost, or complexity—and replaces them with a streamlined, supportive system that works. We’re not left to figure it out alone. We’re guided, supported, and given the tools to succeed.
Written by
Emma Singh, Specsavers business owner, Droitwich, Kidderminster, Stourport, and Crossley