Celebrating the beginnings of shining careers in Southsea

So, to mark National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February), the three of them are urging others to join a scheme and kickstart their career, with their own experiences having put them on the road to a rewarding future.

30-year-old Lewis has been part of the team at locally-owned-and-run Specsavers Southsea on Palmerston Road for a year and a half. He’s currently an apprentice Optical Assistant, and is awaiting his final assessment for his Level 3 apprenticeship later this month – after which he’s considering his career options in optics.

Lewis says: ‘The apprenticeship has been great. My coach Iysha has been very helpful and knowledgeable, and I’ve had great support instore from my colleagues, manager and director.’

20-year-old Molly-May is also coming to the end of her Level 3 apprenticeship as an Optical Assistant after just under a year and a half.

After she finishes it, she’s hoping to go on to do her Level 4 qualification with a view to eventually becoming a Dispensing Optician.

Molly says: ‘I would recommend apprenticeships to anyone who likes learning through first-hand experience. I believe I learnt things quicker, as what I learnt in my designated learning time, I could then immediately apply the knowledge to the shop floor.’

Last but not least, 20-year-old James is nine months into his Level 3 Optical Assistant apprenticeship. He expects to compete his qualification later in 2026. Long term, he wants to become Retail Director of his own Specsavers store.

He says: ‘Apprenticeships are the best way of learning, as you gain both practical experience and knowledge, using it in real life situations and learning from others around you.’

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, a wide range of Hampshire organisations are announcing opportunities for young people.

Specsavers is 2025 National Apprenticeship Skills Award Winner for the Large Employer category, while having a 98% pass distinction across all of its apprentices. It also holds the Princess Royal Training Award from 2024.

Sarab Laute, Ophthalmic Director at Specsavers Southsea, says: ‘We’re all really proud of Lewis, Molly-May and James for all their hard work on the shopfloor and with their studies.

‘They’re all a vital part of our team and pride themselves on delighting our customers. We can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.’

Specsavers Southsea is open six days a week (closed Sundays). For further information contact 023 9229 7755.