RECENTLY appointed audiology director Setor Acolatse was delighted to have the opportunity to return to her old school, the Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls in Acton on Tuesday 11 July to support their Careers Fair.

The morning event was attended by a variety of local businesses from across the London Borough of Ealing, who met with Year 9 and 10 students, keen to find out more about career skills and opportunities. The event was organised by Ealing Connexions who work directly for Ealing Council and employ Careers Advisers who are based at local schools across the borough. Ms Acolatse was thrilled to return in her capacity as Specsavers Ealing Broadway audiology director and chat to the students.

Ms Acolatse commented; ‘I loved my school days and I feel very grateful for the support I received from my peers and teachers, who inspired me to always do my best in whatever gives me purpose.

Today has been a wonderful opportunity to interact with the students, answering questions about audiology and spreading awareness about Specsavers Audiology.’

During the course of the morning the team met with students who posed some great questions and learnt more about the ear and hearing aids. They were given ear plugs, leaflets on hearing and how to protect it, so they could pass on their newfound knowledge to friends and family! They also had the opportunity to see what the inside of an ear looked like via video otoscope, discussed hearing aid advancements, and learned about the self-cleaning mechanism of the ear, with the take home message – ‘wax is your friend’.

With the vast choice of work and study options available to students, inviting local businesses and employers into the school, so they can pose questions to them, seems a great way for them to find out more first-hand from local professionals.

Commenting about her career at Specsavers Setor Acolatse said; ‘I’m thrilled to have been able to fulfil my dream of becoming a store partner and to be involved in managing the business, while mentoring and encouraging my team to fulfil their potential.

Audiology is a very rewarding profession, so it was great today to convey this to the students and the reasons why helping people across the community improve their daily lives is very important to me.’

The school fair has formed part of a programme of careers events at schools across Ealing. Alison Delius, Careers Adviser, Connexions said; ‘I’m really pleased that Setor and her team were able to support today’s career fair. The students were thrilled to find out more about the science of hearing and about Specsavers which is an iconic high street brand.

We are finding that these events often inspire and motivate the students, helping them to better understand the working world – plus it can be a catalyst that sets them off on their career path.’

As an organisation, Specsavers encourages their staff to further their qualifications and progress their careers within the group. The Specsavers Career Pathway offers staff the opportunity to study for industry recognised qualifications which encompass a wide variety of roles including customer services, optician, dispensing optician, optical assistant, and hearcare assistant.

For anyone who wants to check out if their eyesight or hearing is in tip top condition, you can contact Specsavers Ealing Broadway on 020 8840 2977 or you can also book online: www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ealingbroadway