An 18-year-old has become the first apprentice to qualify at Specsavers Accrington and is already setting her sights on a career in optometry.
Aisha Amaan joined the Broadway store straight from high school in September 2024 and has now successfully completed her Optical Assistant Apprenticeship.
After passing her final in-store assessment in April, Aisha has secured a place on a dispensing optician apprenticeship, which she will begin in September.
Reflecting on her achievement, Aisha said she chose the apprenticeship route because she enjoys learning through practical experience.
She said: “I decided to apply for the apprenticeship because I enjoy practical work and learn much faster hands-on.
“Coming straight from high school, everything was new and sometimes a bit overwhelming at first, but I overcame that by asking questions, learning from my colleagues and gaining more experience.
“As my knowledge and skills improved, I became much more confident in myself and my abilities.”
Throughout her apprenticeship, Aisha has supported patients, carried out pre-screening tests and learned about different lenses and frames while balancing coursework and formal assessments.
She hopes to continue progressing within the profession and eventually become an optometrist.
Aisha added: “I’m most looking forward to starting the dispensing optician apprenticeship and continuing to develop my skills.
“Becoming a dispensing optician is something I’m really interested in because I enjoy helping patients and finding the best solutions for their needs.
“And longer term, I’d love to progress into optometry.”
Her achievement marks a milestone for the Accrington store, where she has become the first apprentice to complete the programme.
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Melanie Moore, dispensing optician director at Specsavers Accrington, praised Aisha’s commitment and progress.
She said: “Aisha has been an absolute credit to the store since the day she joined us.
“To see her become our first-ever qualifying apprentice is a really proud moment for the whole team.
“She has worked incredibly hard, and the progress she has made in confidence and capability has been remarkable to watch.”
Melanie said apprenticeships play an important role in helping young people develop their skills and careers.
She added: “Investing in apprenticeships is so important to us because we believe in giving young people the right environment to grow, and Aisha is the perfect example of what’s possible when they do.”
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