Audiologists in the frame

Above: Nastassja Scott and Leigh Steele

A Macclesfield opticians is shining the spotlight on two newly qualified team members.

It’s also encouraging locals to sign up to its apprenticeship scheme for National Learning at Work Week (13 – 19 May).

Leigh Steele, 37, has just qualified as a hearing aid dispenser after successfully completing his apprenticeship at De Montfort University. The learning programme involved course assessments, weekly learning journals and one-to-one sessions with his apprenticeship coach, alongside his daily duties at Specsavers in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre.

He began his Specsavers career in 2010 after completing a degree in archaeology and worked as an optical assistant at Specsavers Dunstable. Keen to return to his Cheshire roots, Leigh transferred to Specsavers Macclesfield.  Looking to the future, his big ambition is to own and run a hearcare business.

36-year-old audiology practitioner, Nastassja Scott, joined Specsavers six years ago and has just completed her training to professionally remove ear wax, which can cause discomfort and impaired hearing.  She hopes to follow in Leigh’s footsteps to become an audiologist within the next two years.

Laura Deakin, Specsavers audiology director, says: ‘We’re always keen to celebrate career successes, we believe that our apprentices are the stars of the future.

‘We place a lot of emphasis on staff development and ensuring everyone has aims and objectives, whether that’s to be part of the future management team or to become hearing aid dispensers or fully-fledged audiologists. Making sure people have something to work towards is crucial in helping to retain team members.

‘Our apprenticeship programme has a great track record. As long as you’re a hard worker, willing to learn, punctual and ambitious, you will do well at Specsavers.’

Leigh adds: ‘This is a job that allows me to make a real difference in the community. Helping people to hear clearly again is something I will never grow tired of.’