YEAR 10 students from Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School spent a morning networking with local businesses, apprenticeship providers and representatives from local colleges and universities at their summer Careers Fair.
Organised by Connexions Ealing, the pupils aged 14 and 15 posed an array of questions with the aim of finding out about various professions, qualifications required and career opportunities. It was perfect timing because the eager students are currently considering their longer-term options and A-level subjects.
Padmarekha Halubai, Specsavers Greenford Broadway’s retail director, said: ‘We were delighted to be invited to support the Careers Fair. With the vast choice of work and study options available these days, including apprenticeships and blended learning approaches with on-the-job training, the event provided a great forum for the pupils to chat directly with businesses and find out more about a particular profession first-hand.
‘As an organisation, Specsavers is very good at offering staff the chance to train in different areas of the business, including the Career Pathway Programme to become a store partner.’
On hand to support the event were Deepali Poojara, dispensing optometrist and pre-registration optometrist, and Jemma O’Hara, audiologist apprentice. Both of them have experience of training with Specsavers, so they were able to offer lots of guidance to the pupils in terms of training, higher education and apprenticeships. The students also received a Specsavers tote bag packed with information around caring for their eyes and ears, plus career options with Specsavers.
Councillor Josh Blacker, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: ‘It’s fantastic to see local businesses engaging directly with young people and helping them explore the wide range of career paths available to them.
‘Careers fairs are vital in opening doors and raising aspirations and I’m proud Ealing Council supports initiatives that empower our students to make informed choices about their futures.’
Specsavers as an organisation encourages its staff to further their qualifications and progress their careers within the group. The Specsavers Career Pathway offers staff the opportunity to study for industry-recognised qualifications which encompass a wide variety of roles, including customer services, optician, dispensing optician, optical assistant, audiologist, audiology assistant and laboratory technicians.
For anyone who wants to check out if their eyesight or hearing is in tip-top condition, you can contact Specsavers Greenford Broadway on 020 8832 8940 or you can also book online: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/greenford
