Asda Opticians launches industry first apprenticeship programme

Asda Opticians has launched a new apprenticeship programme, giving optical assistant colleagues the opportunity to become a Dispensing Optician (DO) - the first time an apprenticeship for this professional role has ever been run in the optical profession.

Launching this month, 13 optical colleagues will start studying towards the FBDO qualification whilst continuing to work with Asda. The apprenticeship provides these colleagues with an accessible route to progress their careers, while also ensuring Asda Opticians continues to grow and develop talent to continue serving its patients and communities.

Upon completion of the course, colleagues will gain the Level 6 FBDO qualification leading to registration with the General Optical Council (GOC) as a qualified Dispensing Optician. A Dispensing Optician is a skilled optical professional who can fit, supply and offer expert advice on the most appropriate spectacle frames and lenses for patients of all ages, prescriptions and needs.

Asda will be supporting each colleague through their apprenticeship, investing in additional hours so colleagues continue to be paid while studying and ensuring dedicated supervision from a GOC registered optical professional. Students will be able to utilise their knowledge and skills ‘on the job’ as they progress through the course.

Hayley Tatum MBE, Asda’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, said: “We are incredibly proud to launch this new apprenticeship scheme and offer our talented optical colleagues the chance to secure a recognised industry qualification whilst gaining practical experience at the same time.”

Ashley Smart, an Asda colleague at the South Woodham Ferrers store who will participate in the apprenticeship, commented: “I am excited to start this apprenticeship and begin my journey towards becoming a Dispensing Optician, which has been a long-term goal of mine! I am grateful to Asda for providing me this opportunity, which allows me to advance my career while continuing to work alongside the fantastic team who have supported and encouraged me from the start of my time at Asda.”

This course will be delivered via Asda’s chosen training provider, ABDO College. The three-year programme works toward the professional assessments and examinations set by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) and has approval for enrolment from the General Optical Council (GOC).

At Asda Opticians all Optical Managers are qualified Dispensing Opticians, so colleagues with this qualification will have a pathway to developing into these roles.