Apprenticeship pathway in focus

Katie House with her award

Specsavers is marking National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9-15 February) by celebrating the achievements of its apprenticeship programmes.

Each year, around 600 new apprentices join Specsavers across a wide range of roles, with approximately 350 achieving a Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification annually.

The company has been named an Ofsted Outstanding Provider and a recipient of a 2024 Princess Royal Training Award. In 2025, it was also named Large Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards – with Specsavers apprentice Katie House named Apprentice of the Year.

Ninety-eight percent of Specsavers apprentices achieve distinction grades, and the retention rate for apprentices is 22 per cent higher than that of those in comparable roles, stated the company.

Dena Wyatt, Specsavers’ head of apprenticeships, said: “It’s my favourite week in the calendar. National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to celebrate apprentices, their incredible achievements and stories, and the employers who support them. I am always in awe of the success, talent and ambition on show.”

For the third consecutive year, the organisation has ranked among the UK’s Top 100 apprenticeship employers, rising to17th position.