Press release: ABDO becomes a Youth Friendly Employer

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has achieved the Youth Friendly Employer mark, showing an employer is invested in recruiting and supporting young people.  This gives a great opportunity for careers in eye care to be in the spotlight for young people. It will be of benefit to both ABDO and Youth Employment UK in spreading useful careers information in this growing sector.

Laura-Jane Rawlings, CEO at Youth Employment UK spoke to the ABDO senior team at their annual meeting last week about the benefits of the collaboration. She also handed over ABDO’s certificate of membership to ABDO President Clive Marchant.

Commenting on this move Nick Walsh, ABDO’s Sector Skills Development Officer, said: “For many younger people, the prospect of choosing a career option can be daunting and sometimes the options presented may not inspire. Within the world of optics there are so many career options open that people may not be aware of, so working with Youth Employment UK with their amazing reach, including over 1 million visitors to their website in 2019 by students and parents, will help to make eye care a new consideration for those who may not have previously thought of this.”

Laura-Jane Rawlings, said, “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with ABDO to encourage young people to find out more about careers in eye care and eye wear. ABDO’s ongoing strategy to educate and engage young people in the sector demonstrates a real commitment to youth friendly practice.” She continues, “The Youth Friendly Employer Mark is a seal of quality and commitment attributed to employers and organisations who are actively working to provide professional development and opportunities for young people.

This move is just one part of ABDO’s ongoing strategy to encourage young people to find out more about careers in eye care and eye wear.

Ends

Notes to Editors

1.       Media enquiries to Antonia Chitty, 07538 525476, achitty@abdo.org.uk

2.       Hi res images are available to download here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/k0i5wuwqvciqzyr/AAAZbhrf2OedD4tt8VjIxUxja?dl=0

3.       ABDO represents over 6000 qualified dispensing opticians in the United Kingdom. Registered office, 199, Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LD.

4.       To find out more about the Youth Friendly Employer mark please visit youthemployment.org.uk, email info@youthemployment.org.uk or call 01536 513388