Talented Kashif Manjlai and Leonie Shayna Luckie-Edghill are flying the flag for the life-changing opportunities being offered by apprenticeship schemes in Acton.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February), 24-year-old Kashif and 20-year-old Leonie are urging others to join a scheme and kickstart their careers, with their own experiences having put them on the road to a rewarding future.
Kashif began his apprenticeship life at Specsavers Acton six months ago, being enrolled onto the Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship scheme, with the aim of qualifying as a Customer Service Practitioner. Following successful completion of his apprenticeship, Kashif would then like to go on to train in dispensing and management.
Kashif says: ‘The apprenticeship scheme is amazing because I receive so much support from my colleagues, plus the directors ensure they keep up with my progress and offer support as needed too.
‘I’m a very practical person, so learning on the job is fun and enjoyable. I love being able to help others, learning new things every day, and speaking to new people while listening to their stories and putting a smile on their faces. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship because of the guidance, support and encouragement you receive from everyone involved.’
Leonie, who completed her Level 3 Optical Assistant Apprenticeship in November 2024, is currently studying Biology Sciences at the University of West London. Using her apprenticeship skills and training from the last three years, Leonie currently works in store at weekends.
During the past three years, Leonie has been a popular figure at the locally owned and run Specsavers Acton, she says: ‘I very much enjoyed my apprenticeship, as it helped me gain skills that I can use in work and also in everyday life. It helped massively with my people and communication skills, organisation and building confidence, plus it’s given me lots of optical experience.
‘I would recommend apprenticeships to anyone who is hands on and is looking for a change from the traditional learning environment. Also, for anyone who is keen to gain experience about the field they’re interested in, studying for an apprenticeship is beneficial as you familiarise yourself with the workplace and the sector.’
Sneha Pancholi, Specsavers Acton’s director and dispensing optician, says: ‘Leonie visited the store looking for a career in health care. Following her appointment to the team, Leonie was enrolled onto the apprenticeship scheme which provided training and knowledge in optics.
‘During her training, Leonie learned practical skills from myself and the team who all supported her. In the end she passed with flying colours, gaining a distinction which helped her secure a place at university.
‘In addition, I was very impressed with Kashif because he had the confidence to come in store and ask if we were hiring. He expressed his keen interest in optics and that he was looking to gain new skills and learn about a new field.
‘Kashif is very much a people’s person, so I enrolled him onto the Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship scheme. This is an extremely well-structured course and a great foundation to support his career path in optics and management.’
Specsavers is the 2025 National Apprenticeship Skills Award Winner for the Large Employer category having a 98% pass distinction across all of its apprentices. It also holds the Princess Royal Training Award from 2024.
Specsavers Acton is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm, and is open on Sunday from 10am to 4pm. For further information contact 020 8992 3860. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online at https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/acton
- Specsavers, which also offers a Home Visits service for those unable to visit its stores, provides a range of eyecare services that not only maintain people's eye health and vision, but also help to detect broader health issues.
Issued by Tigerbond Group Ltd on behalf of Specsavers.
For more information or to speak to a Specsavers expert please contact:
Philippa Bassett
Tigerbond Group Ltd
Specsavers Client Manager
07704 536 170
