TO CELEBRATE National Careers Week, the West London Partnership (WLP) held a Careers Fair at the Sacred Heart High School based in Hammersmith.
The aim of the event was to offer students from state and independent schools the opportunity to network with a variety of industry professionals and training providers from the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and pose questions about career opportunities and related study.
On hand to discuss opportunities in retail and healthcare were the team from Specsavers Hammersmith. Nilma Shah, ophthalmic director, says: ‘We were delighted to attend the WLP Careers Fair at Sacred Heart High School. It was a great opportunity to discuss the many career options available at Specsavers, including apprenticeships with its blended learning approach.
‘The students were also surprised to learn about the variety of careers available within retail and healthcare on their doorstep.’
Priyanka Matrubai, also an ophthalmic director at the store, adds: ‘Ophthalmics is a profession that blends science, communication and community care. There are also accessible routes into the profession for school leavers.
‘We spoke to a number of students who wanted to find out what it’s like to work for the Specsavers brand – so we outlined the diverse roles available across the business, including becoming a store partner.’
During the day, the team also discussed the importance of eye health, preventative care, and the growing role of optical professionals within the wider NHS and community healthcare landscape.
The WLP Careers Fair forms part of Sacred Heart High School’s commitment to broadening students’ horizons and connecting them with local employers. By engaging directly with business professionals, students are better equipped to make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways.
As an organisation, Specsavers invests in staff development, encouraging team members to further their qualifications and progress their careers within the group. Students who prefer a more blended style of learning can apply for an apprenticeship, which combines formal study with on-the-job training.
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.
As part of the community healthcare offering, Specsavers Hammersmith also offers Minor Eye Care Services (MECS) to treat conditions such as dry eyes, red eyes, flashers and floaters.
Specsavers Hammersmith has dedicated diagnostic testing areas and specific contact lens stations offering enhanced facilities to customers. There is wheelchair accessibility, and the store opening times are Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, on Saturday 9am to 5.30pm, and 10.30am to 5.30pm on Sundays.
To book in for a sight or hearing test, you can contact Specsavers Hammersmith on 020 8748 3233. Alternatively, you can book online at https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/hammersmith
For those that can’t leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness, Specsavers also offers a Home Visits service covering more than 90% of the UK – with more details available at www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests.
