TALENTED Ameen Jolly is flying the flag for the life-changing opportunities being offered by apprenticeship schemes in Ilford.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February), 21-year-old Ameen is urging others to join a scheme and kickstart their career, with his own experience having put him on the road to a rewarding future.
Ameen began his apprenticeship life at Specsavers Ilford six months ago and is aiming to achieve a Level 3 Optical Assistant by the end of this year.
Ameen says: ‘The apprenticeship has been an incredible experience so far. It has provided valuable hands-on experience in a dynamic optical environment while enabling the development of skills that extend across both my professional and personal life. One of the key advantages of the apprenticeship is the opportunity to learn on the job, allowing my theoretical knowledge to be applied directly in real-world situations. Most rewarding of all is the ability to genuinely help people and make a positive difference in their everyday lives.’
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, a wide range of Ilford 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.
Mohammed Rehmani, Director at Specsavers Ilford, says: ‘Ameen has been with us since June 2025 and is an outstanding example of what a great apprenticeship journey can look like. He consistently delivers amazing customer service and is frequently mentioned in our customer feedback surveys for doing so. Customers regularly highlight his genuineness, professionalism, and the care he shows in every interaction. Ameen truly lives and breathes great customer service, and his positive attitude has made a real impact on both our customers and the wider team.’
