Yorkshire and the Humber apprentices celebrate graduation from in-demand scheme
(L-R) Catherine Mcleod, Megan Lillie, Ruby Tillison, Charlotte Stocks and Sophie Bainbridge

Member Article

Yorkshire and the Humber apprentices celebrate graduation from in-demand scheme

A group of five apprentices from across Yorkshire and the Humber are celebrating after graduating as part of the ‘Class of 2017’, gaining a nationally-recognised qualification in optical retail with Vision Express.

The ambitious youngsters beat off stiff competition to earn their place on the scheme, which launched in 2014, with the national optician deluged by over 15 applications per place. Managed and delivered by in-house optical experts, the 13-month employee-embedded programme gives candidates the opportunity to earn while they learn, with assessor support and hands-on experience.

The Yorkshire and the Humber graduates were among those honoured at an official national ceremony, held at the East Midlands Conference Centre, all of whom have qualified with a Level 2, Intermediate Apprenticeship in Health (Optical Retail), which is equivalent to five GCSEs.

Among those graduating was 20-year-old Charlotte Stocks and 18-year-old Sophie Bainbridge, both from Grimsby, 20-year-old Ruby Tillison from Hull, 18-year-old Megan Lillie from Sheffield and 20-year-old Catherine Mcleod from Leeds. All five have been offered permanent positions and will continue their career with Vision Express as qualified optical assistants.

Ruby Tillison, who has secured a position with the team at the Hull store, won this year’s significant achievement award. She said: “It feels great to graduate. I really want to build up my level of training and take my career to the next level. Vision Express offers fantastic training and development programmes, and I know I will be fully supported in any path I take.”

The Class of 2017 achieved an above average pass rate and nine in 10 graduates were offered a permanent position upon completion. It follows education regulator Ofsted recently awarding Vision Express a ‘Good’ rating across all areas of its apprenticeship programme.

Kate Clayton, who was herself an apprentice and has progressed through the organisation to become a member of the company executive team as Human Resources Director, said: “I am very proud of every single one of our Class of 2017.Now they are on the career ladder at Vision Express, there’s a huge number of possibilities for them, with several of our apprenticeship graduates from recent years advancing to management roles.

“My congratulations to Charlotte, Ruby, Sophie, Megan and Catherine on their successful completion of the apprenticeship scheme – the sky is the limit for them now.”

Vision Express was the first retailer to join The 5% Club, pledging to have 5% of its UK workforce comprising young people on structured training schemes over the next five years, with its popular apprenticeship programme just one way it is helping tackle the issue of youth unemployment in the UK.

The next apprenticeship intake starts in late November, with applications open now. To qualify candidates must be at least 16 years old and not in full or part time education, with a great attitude and aptitude to learn.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Vision Express .

Enjoy the read? Get Bdaily delivered.

Sign up to receive our popular Yorkshire & The Humber morning email for free.

* Occasional offers & updates from selected Bdaily partners

Our Partners