THE team at a Belper opticians is celebrating after a colleague’s qualification success, marking the latest milestone in a career that began with an apprenticeship in the store’s laboratory.
Gaby Palmer, who initially chose an apprenticeship route over further academic studies, was attracted by the opportunity to gain practical experience while learning on the job at the locally owned and run Specsavers store. She completed her laboratory apprenticeship in February 2024 before moving into a customer-facing dispensing role.
Since making the move to the shop floor, Gaby has successfully achieved her Cert 3 qualification. The year-long course equips dispensing and optical assistants with the skills and knowledge required to support customers with their eye care and eyewear needs, covering areas including lenses, dispensing and customer care.
Gaby says: ‘I didn't want to stay in education and liked the idea of a hands-on learning experience. The team were incredibly supportive and encouraging from the start. I felt like I could learn a lot and make a difference. Making glasses and ensuring they were the correct fit for each customer was really rewarding, and after completing my apprenticeship I wanted to take on a new challenge.
‘I enjoy talking to and helping our customers, and my laboratory apprenticeship has given me a strong understanding of the dispensing process and how to recommend the most suitable lenses depending on someone’s needs and lifestyle.’
The Cert 3 qualification has already had a positive impact on Gaby's day-to-day role.
She adds: ‘Completing this latest qualification has helped me to understand the technical side of glasses much more as well as how different health conditions can affect what customers need from their eyewear. I feel much more confident making recommendations and ensuring lenses are measured and ordered correctly.
‘What I’ve enjoyed most about the learning journey has been expanding my knowledge and surprising myself with how much I have been able to learn. I’ve gained far more understanding than I ever expected.’
Throughout her studies, Gaby received support from colleagues across the store. Annette Wale, store director at Specsavers Belper, says: ‘We're delighted to see Gaby achieve her Cert 3 qualification. She has shown tremendous dedication to her learning and development since joining us as an apprentice in 2022. Her journey from the laboratory to a dispensing role demonstrates her commitment to building her skills and providing the highest standard of care for our customers. She is a valued member of the team, and we're excited to support her as she continues her development.’
Gaby is now setting her sights on her next qualification and hopes to begin studying for Cert 4 in the near future. She concludes: ‘I'm aiming to start Cert 4 next and then who knows? I want to learn as much as I can in the world of optics.’
To book an eye test or hearing check, call Specsavers Belper on 01773 824375 or go to www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/belper