Bright Futures Bursaries to expand

Specsavers Bright Futures bursary programme expands

AN initiative to inspire young people to become optometrists is being expanded into England and Wales.

Specsavers is rolling out its Bright Futures bursary programme across the UK after it was initially launched in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

More than £2,000 of financial support is available to help bursary recipients on their career and help pay for some of their equipment. The programme also offers part-time work in local Specsavers practices, providing in-practice experience as well as shadowing and mentoring for young people who receive the bursary.

The bursary will allow partners in community Specsavers practices to invest in talented local pupils,’ says Lucy Knock, Specsavers Early Careers Manager. ‘It will help build a strong relationship between student and that practice through school, university, Pre-Registration year and beyond.

‘We are looking for bright, able and engaged students with an interest in science, technology, engineering or maths in Year 12 in England and Wales, S5 or S6 in Scotland or Year 13 in Northern Ireland.’

Specsavers local practices will look to engage with schools in their community to find their Bright Futures star and give potential candidates some work experience first to see if they are suitable. Partners could also consider school students already working in their practice.

‘Specsavers’ purpose is to change lives and the Bright Futures bursary is part of that mission. The bursary is about helping to develop young people in the communities that we serve,’ adds Ms Knock.

More information about the Bright Futures bursary is available at https://join.specsavers.com/uk/explore-careers/apprenticeships-and-future-talent-at-specsavers/stem-careers-in-optometry-with-specsavers/routes-into-optometry/

Photo: Lucy Knock, Specsavers Early Careers Manager