This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- Typical length of the Level 3 optical assistant apprenticeship
- 15–18 months
- Source: Specsavers (opens in a new tab)
- Typical length of the hearing aid dispenser apprenticeship, depending on the campus
- 18–24 months
- Source: Specsavers (opens in a new tab)
- Minimum GCSE maths grade (C/4 or equivalent) for the optical assistant apprenticeship
- Grade 4
- Source: Specsavers (opens in a new tab)
Overview
Specsavers looks after people’s eyes and hearing through its high street stores. Each store is run by local partners, which means apprenticeships can differ slightly from store to store, but the main routes are the same.
The apprenticeships
| Apprenticeship | Level | Typical length | What you’ll do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optical Assistant | 3 | 15–18 months | Advise customers on frames and lenses, take readings, handle bookings |
| Spectacle Technician | 3 | Not published | Make and repair glasses, mostly behind the scenes |
| Customer Service | Not published | Not published | Help customers in store or at a call centre |
| Hearing Aid Dispenser | Foundation degree | 18–24 months | Test hearing and fit hearing aids |
You’re trained in your store by experienced staff, with an apprentice coach, and assessed externally at the end.
Who can apply
The optical and customer service apprenticeships are for people without experience. Specsavers says you can’t be an optical apprentice if you’ve already worked in optics. You can apply straight after GCSEs or A levels, and you need GCSE maths at grade C/4 or above for the optical assistant route.
Hearing aid dispenser
This route takes you into healthcare. You study for a Foundation Degree in Audiology at a partner campus, with practical assessments, an in-store logbook and written exams, and become a Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser.
What they don’t tell you
Specsavers doesn’t publish apprentice pay, and it can vary between stores. Check the advert for the store you’re applying to.
What they do
Specsavers provides eye care and hearing care through high street stores, which are owned and run by local partners, plus call centres and labs.
Apprenticeships at Specsavers
-
Optical Assistant apprenticeship
Stores
You advise customers on frames and lenses, take readings, explain contact lens care and handle bookings. You're trained in store with an apprentice coach and assessed externally at the end.
-
Spectacle Technician apprenticeship
Store workrooms and labs
A mostly back-room role, making and repairing spectacles.
-
Customer Service apprenticeship
Stores and call centres
You're often the first person customers speak to, handling orders, payments and follow-up and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
Hearing Aid Dispenser apprenticeship
Hearcare
You study for a Foundation Degree in Audiology at a partner campus and become a Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser, with practical assessments, an in-store logbook and written exams.
Pay calculator
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Career areas
Specsavers entry requirements
- Optical Assistant apprenticeship
- GCSE maths at grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent qualification. You can apply straight after GCSEs or A levels.
- Optical and customer service apprenticeships
- No previous experience in optics. Specsavers says you can't be an optical apprentice if you've already worked in the optical sector.
Who can apply
- Stores are owned and run by local partners, so each apprenticeship can differ depending on the store's needs.
Our tips for Specsavers
- Because each store is run by local partners, pay, hours and details can vary between stores. Check the advert for the store you're applying to.
- Optical assistant and spectacle technician are both Level 3, but one is customer-facing and one is mostly behind the scenes. Pick the one that suits you.
- The hearing aid dispenser route leads to a Foundation Degree in Audiology and professional registration, so it's a step into healthcare.
- Specsavers says some courses can be shorter if you have relevant experience. Mention anything relevant when you apply.
Summary
- Specsavers runs apprenticeships in stores, call centres and labs, for people without optical experience.
- Optical assistant and spectacle technician apprenticeships are Level 3; the optical assistant one takes 15 to 18 months.
- The hearing aid dispenser apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months and leads to a Foundation Degree in Audiology.
- You need GCSE maths at grade 4 for the optical assistant route.
Related video
Skills In Action - Specsavers 2026
Questions about Specsavers apprenticeships
Does Specsavers do apprenticeships?
Yes. Specsavers runs optical assistant, spectacle technician, customer service and hearing aid dispenser apprenticeships, in its stores, call centres and labs.
What GCSEs do you need for a Specsavers apprenticeship?
For the optical assistant apprenticeship, you need GCSE maths at grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent. You can apply straight after your GCSEs or A levels.
How long is the Specsavers optical assistant apprenticeship?
Typically 15 to 18 months. It's a Level 3 apprenticeship, assessed by an external exercise at the end, with an apprentice coach supporting you throughout. Our end-point assessment guide explains how that works.
Can you do a Specsavers apprenticeship with optical experience?
Not the optical apprenticeships. Specsavers says they're for people without previous optical experience, and encourages experienced people to look at its other store roles.
How do you become a hearing aid dispenser through an apprenticeship?
Specsavers' hearing aid dispenser apprenticeship usually takes 18 to 24 months. You study for a Foundation Degree in Audiology at a partner campus and become a Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser.
Which other healthcare employers offer apprenticeships?
The NHS runs apprenticeships in hundreds of roles.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.