Princess Royal honour for Specsavers training programme
Thousands of people have enrolled in the Specsavers Cert 3 programme since its relaunch in 2023. The qualification has now received a Princess Royal Training Award, recognising its contribution to learning, skills development and career progression in optics.
What is the Cert 3 programme?
The Cert 3 programme is a Level 3 BTEC qualification, accredited by Pearson, designed to help people build careers within eye care. It supports progression into roles including dispensing, contact lenses, clinical technician and laboratory positions.
Many learners begin as optical assistants. Others join after working in retail or relatively shortly after leaving school.
‘This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved, from our Cert 3 students and their colleagues in practice to the professional development team who support them,’ says Doug Perkins, founder and chairman of Specsavers.
Read a real-life story about career success at Specsavers.
Modern eye care relies on a broad team of skilled professionals. Structured training helps colleagues develop knowledge, practical experience and confidence with great careers.
Programmes that support development are also important for attracting new people into the profession and retaining talent over time.
Supporting the next generation
One feature of is the number of younger learners choosing to participate, with two in every five people aged under 25.
The qualification gives participants an opportunity to build recognised skills while exploring long-term career options in optics.
‘At a time when patients have more choice than ever, expertise is what makes the difference. Programmes like Cert 3 help us build that expertise while creating opportunities for people to develop rewarding careers at Specsavers. It's an investment in our patients, our people and our communities,’ says Mr Perkins.
What does the Princess Royal Training Award mean?
The award recognises organisations able to demonstrate meaningful impact through learning and development.
For the Cert 3 programme, recognition reflects the role training can play in opening doors to new careers and supporting workforce development within eye care.
What happens next?
The Princess Royal Training Award will be formally presented in London in January. The recognition highlights the value of investing in learning and development and demonstrates how structured education can help people build lasting careers within eye care.
Find out more about careers at Specsavers
Head to Life at Specsavers website to see how far you can go: https://join.specsavers.com/uk/life-at-specsavers