KIDDERMINSTER’S Lens Online and International Glazing Services (IGS) welcomed a special visitor during National Apprenticeship Week.
Minister of State for Skills, Jacqui Smith found out more about the important role apprenticeships played in ongoing career development.
Ms Smith met more than 15 apprentices who spoke with her about their roles and the opportunities the work-based courses created.
From Level 2 warehouse operatives, through to Level 6 supply chain management, Ms Smith heard about the different routes team members had taken and why they decided an apprenticeship was for them.
Along with Vision Labs, Lens Online and IGS provide lens surfacing and stocking and distributing lenses and contact lenses to Specsavers UK optical businesses.
Ms Smith was also given a tour of the two sites and learned more about an employee-led programme which has seen the introduction of robots to help automate the process of sending glasses to stores.
Meeting team members
She spoke to warehouse operative apprentices, Cora Merther, Klaudia Filpowicz and Edyta Linert, who were part of the team which helped to bring the scheme to life.
Their apprenticeship included learning about health and safety, standard operating procedures, environmental issues, MHE training, product handling and teamwork.
Ms Smith said: “It was wonderful to visit Specsavers during National Apprenticeship Week and meet the incredible apprentices in Kidderminster.
“I heard first-hand how apprenticeships are opening doors to fulfilling careers. Their stories show exactly why we’re committed to making apprenticeships more accessible for young people.
‘With 45 apprentices now working across these sites, Specsavers is a shining example of how employers can invest in their workforce and create real opportunities for career progression.”
Jayne Cole, HR business partner, drives and tracks the apprenticeships at the three sites, liaises with apprenticeship companies and looks for new opportunities for colleagues and the wider business.
When she joined four years ago, there were two apprentices – now there are 45.
She described Ms Smith’s visit as ‘fantastic’, adding: “We’re passionate about encouraging as many of our teams to develop their skills as possible.
“The range of apprenticeships we offer means there is an opportunity for everyone if they want it.”
Award-winning schemes
Specsavers won the National Apprenticeship and Skills Award 2025 and is also the current Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year – testament to the emphasis the business puts on career development opportunities.
Ms Cole added: “All of our apprenticeship colleagues are paid full wage regardless of age and we are extremely proud of every single one of them.
“Minister Smith took the time to find out more about what each individual’s role involved and it was great to see the enthusiasm and passion with which all of our apprentices chatted to her.”
Tegan Fuller, undertaking the newly launched in-store dispensing optician apprenticeship, said: “I’d done a lab technician apprenticeship first which I really enjoyed, especially the working alongside learning element as it means you can apply the skills you pick up as you go.”
She has weekly assignments and said, while it was quite ‘full on’, her colleagues and tutor were really supportive if she had any questions.
“It was great to be invited along and given the chance to talk about what I’m doing as part of National Apprenticeship Week.”
Another person enjoying Specsavers’ schemes is Dan Preston.
He was a shift leader for six years and is now operations manager at Lens Online and currently undertaking the three-year supply chain management degree apprenticeship.
