Ministerial visit to Kidderminster manufacturing and distribution sites shines spotlight on apprentices

A VISIT by Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Skills, to Lens Online and International Glazing Services (IGS) as part of National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February) has showcased the important role an apprenticeship can play in ongoing career development.

With Minister are: L to R: Haitham Al-Omari, Imogen Bennett-Reiley, Tegan Fuller and
Dan Green

On Friday 13 March, Jacqui Smith, Minister of Stae for Skills had the opportunity to meet more than 15 apprentices who spoke with her about their roles and the opportunities that an apprenticeship can create. From Level 2 warehouse operatives, through to Level 6 supply chain management, and dispensing opticans, Minister Smith heard about the different routes team members have taken and why they decided an apprenticeship was for them.

Along with Vision Labs, Lens Online and IGS provide lens surfacing as well as stocking and distributing lenses and contact lenses to Specsavers UK optical businesses.

As part of the visit, she was also given a guided tour of the two sites. In Lens Online she heard more about an employee-led programme which has seen the introduction of robots to help automate the process of sending glasses to stores. Here, Minister Smith spoke to warehouse operative apprentices, Cora Merther, Klaudia Filpowicz and Edyta Linert who were all part of the team that helped to bring the initiative to life. Their apprenticeship includes learning about health and safety, standard operating procedures, environmental issues, MHE training, product handling and teamwork.

‘It was wonderful to visit Specsavers during National Apprenticeship Week and meet the incredible apprentices in Kidderminster,’ says Jacqui Smith

‘From warehouse operatives to those studying for supply chain management degrees, I heard first-hand how apprenticeships are opening doors to fulfilling careers. Their stories show exactly why we’re committed to making apprenticeships more accessible for young people.

‘With 45 apprentices now working across these sites, Specsavers is a shining example of how employers can invest in their workforce and create real opportunities for career progression.’

Dan Green, Senior Dispensing Optician and Contact Lens Training Manager says, ‘I was fortunate enough to discuss our amazing Dispensing Optician apprenticeship opportunities with Baroness Jacqui Smith. Our Apprentices shared their career stories and even grabbed a selfie, as well as tour our fantastic manufacturing sites, supporting their Association of British Dispensing Opticians PQP study. The Level 6 Dispensing Optician Apprenticeship is a game‑changing route that gives people the opportunity to become fully qualified DOs through a supported, practical, and truly accessible learning journey. It’s been fantastic to watch this pathway open doors for so many aspiring professionals – apprenticeships play a huge role in shaping the future of our workforce.’

Tegan Fuller, who is doing the newly launched in-store dispensing optician apprenticeship, comments: ‘I’d done a lab technician apprenticeship first which I really enjoyed, especially the working alongside learning element as it means you can apply the skills you pick up as you go. I have weekly assignments to do and while it’s quite full on, my colleagues are all really supportive and help if I have any questions, along with my tutor too. It was great to be invited along and given the chance to talk about what I’m doing as part of National Apprenticeship Week.’

Jayne Cole, HR business partner, who drives and tracks the apprenticeships at the three sites, says, ‘To have Minister Smith come and visit us during National Apprenticeship Week and take the time to see what we do at our manufacturing and distribution sites as well as chat to some of our apprentices was fantastic,’ says Jayne. ‘We’re passionate about encouraging as many of our teams to develop their skills as possible. The range of apprenticeships we offer means there is an opportunity for everyone if they want it.

‘Specsavers won the National Apprenticeship and Skills Award 2025 and are also the current Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year which is testament to the emphasis the business puts on career development opportunities.’