Admin/Reception Optical Assistant Apprentice

Summary

We seek a friendly, organized Optical Assistant/Receptionist to greet patients, schedule appointments, handle calls, and assist with frame selection. Ensure smooth operations by managing records, processing payments, and coordinating with staff. Strong communication and customer service skills required.

Wage

£14,560 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Monday- Friday, 9.00am- 5.00pm.

35 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 27 October 2026

Duration

1 year 9 months

Positions available

2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• Customer Care: Greet patients warmly, assist with their enquiries, and guide them through their appointments
• Appointment Management: Schedule appointments, update diaries, and send reminders to ensure efficiency
• Frame and Lens Assistance: Help patients choose frames and lenses suited to their needs, providing helpful advice and recommendations
• Administration: Maintain accurate patient records, handle incoming calls, process payments, and verify insurance details
• Reception Area: Keep the reception tidy and well-presented, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment
• Team Support: Liaise with optometrists and colleagues to ensure seamless patient care and workflow
• Problem Solving: Address patient concerns or queries promptly and professionally

Where you'll work

449 HIGH ROAD
WOODFORD GREEN
IG8 0XE

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

INTEC BUSINESS COLLEGES LIMITED

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

What you'll learn

• Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
• Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
• Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
• Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
• Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

• Business Administrator Level 3
• End Point Assessment
• Work-Based Training
• Functional Skills (if necessary)

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 9-3 A*-D)
• Mathematics (grade 9-3 A*-D)

Knowledge of in:

MicroSoft Office Applications (grade Experience)

Desirable qualifications

Customer Service in:

Experience (grade Previous)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working
• Confidence with customers
• Professionalism
• Flexibility & Adaptability

Other requirements

Why Join Us? We offer a supportive working environment with opportunities for development. If you’re passionate about delivering outstanding customer care and want to grow in a dynamic team.

Personal Qualities Required: 

• Well spoken
• Excellent telephone manner
• Knowledge of MicroSoft Office is essential
• Personal presentation is of most importance