An ambitious 18-year-old from Swindon, is celebrating ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (6-10 March), after securing a coveted place on an in-demand apprenticeship programme with national optician Vision Express.
Dichhaya Kaucha has taken up a full-time post at the Swindon Vision Express store on the 13-month employee-embedded scheme, which has received over 5,500 applicants since it began in February 2014.
Chosen from an average of 46 applicants for each available post, Dichhaya will be working towards a Level 2, Intermediate Apprenticeship in Health (Optical Retail), which is equivalent to five GCSEs.
Dichhaya says she simply wanted to do something ‘different’ and Vision Express fitted the bill. “I did an ICT apprenticeship before joining Vision Express but this scheme is so much more interesting.” she explains. “I’m learning so much and every day is different. I love the technology side of things and particularly enjoy being involved in the pre-test process.
Dichhaya Kaucha
“The team in the store are absolutely brilliant and give me so much support.” she added. “I’d highly recommend anyone to take up an apprenticeship. I’m hoping it’s the beginning of a successful career for me with Vision Express.”
Robert Knowles, store manager at Vision Express Swindon, said: “Our apprenticeship programme continues to be extremely popular and is a fantastic way to nurture young, ambitious talent. We are working closely with Dichhaya to develop her knowledge and skills and hopefully opening up a wealth of career options to enable her to progress further within the company.”
The apprenticeship scheme is just one way Vision Express is helping tackle the issue of youth unemployment in the UK. In 2015 it joined The 5% Club, pledging to have 5% of its UK workforce comprising young people on structured training schemes over the next five years.
Kate Clayton, human resources director, who joined the organisation as an apprentice, said: “It’s great to nurture new talent like Dichhaya’s. Vision Express is a people company and we continue to see a high demand from ambitious youngsters who are keen to share our journey.”
Vision Express CEO Jonathan Lawson added: “Vision Express is a growing company offering unique and diverse career potential and, an average of 46 applicants per position, proves our apprenticeship programme continues to be very popular.”
Managed and delivered by in-house optical experts, the scheme gives candidates the opportunity to earn while they learn, with assessor support and hands-on experience.
The spring apprenticeship intake starts on 8 March. The June intake will be open for applications from late March. To qualify candidates must be at least 16 years old and not in full or part time education.
A specially-commissioned video charting the experiences of Vision Express apprentices can be found above or here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acUROlBk414
For more information about the apprenticeships at Vision Express visit: www.visionexpresscareers.com
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article