Optical Assistant Apprentice - Hastings, East Sussex

Are you a caring individual looking to start your career in an Optics environment? You’ve come to the right place.    

As well as being passionate and motivated in everything you do, it’s important that you’re also a great listener and communicator – as that’s what excellent service is all about. In addition to having great communication skills, you’ll also be a team player and have a real passion for making a difference, both in your development and within the business.  

Our Apprenticeship scheme gives people of all ages the chance to boost their existing skillset and kickstart an exciting new career as part of a forward-thinking business, all whilst earning a full-time wage.  

Our store

Specsavers Hastings is a busy, community‑focused store located in the Priory Meadow Shopping Centre, right in the heart of Hastings. The store offers a full range of optical and audiology services supported by eight fully equipped testing rooms. The experienced clinical team delivers high‑quality, personalised care using modern equipment and up‑to‑date techniques, making this an exciting opportunity to be part of a patient‑focused environment that prioritises excellent service and professional development.
The store is ideally positioned just a five‑minute walk from the mainline railway station, and is also well served by local bus routes. For colleagues who travel by car, there is a multi‑storey car park on site with reduced staff rates offering convenient and affordable parking.

Our team

The team at Specsavers Hastings is a large, experienced and well‑established group, including Dispensing Opticians, Optometrists, Contact Lens Optician, and Optical Assistants, with a strong support network in place to offer ongoing training and development. The store also benefits from a large on‑site laboratory, enabling efficient service and high standards of dispensing.
Established in 1997, Specsavers Hastings has a loyal and long‑serving team, with many colleagues having been part of the business for years — including two team members who have been with the store since it first opened. This longevity reflects the supportive, inclusive culture within the store, where expertise is shared, teamwork is valued, and colleagues are encouraged to grow and succeed together while delivering exceptional care to the local community.

What’s on offer?   

Our apprenticeship scheme gives you the chance to really set yourself up for a great career in a fantastic company, and earn a full-time wage at the same time.  
You’ll not only spend 15-18 months in a paid job, but also learn your trade while surrounded by our friendly, passionate and highly experienced team who’ll support you every step of the way.

• £8.20ph
• Full Time - 40 hours per week, to include working a weekend day
• We will auto-enroll you into the pension scheme with an employer contribution when you contribute too
• Specsavers Perks - a portal to a world of great everyday discounts and savings
• WeCare - our employee support service to help you and your immediate family when you need it most
• Complimentary subscription to the Headspace app 
• Eyecare and hearcare discounts for you and your family
• Enjoy an additional paid day off on your birthday to celebrate you!
• Enhanced family leave and company sick pay

Your on-the-job training will sit alongside structured learning and at the end of the 15-18 months as an apprentice, you’ll be a fully-fledged Optical Assistant.   

Who is this Apprenticeship for?  

If this is still sounding like a bit of you, we do need you to have a few skills to get started as an Optical Assistant Apprentice.  

• You’ll need a grade 9-4 (A*-C) GCSEs in Maths (or equivalent/predicted result) 
• Individuals who have lived in the EU for 3 years or more, with the right to work in the UK   

What does the role involve? 

• Welcoming customers into store 
• Booking in eye tests 
• Pre-screening patients 
• Providing style advice 
• Measuring frames 
• Taking phone calls 

Find out more   

For more detailed information about the Specsavers Apprenticeship programme, please click the link below.     

Apprenticeships at Specsavers | Specsavers UK Careers    

It’s essential that you haven’t previously worked in the Optical Sector. Before applying, please check that you are able to travel to the store location on a daily basis.  

Got what we’re looking for? This job will close when it's filled, so don't delay, apply today!