YEAR 9 and 10 pupils and 6th Formers from Dormers Wells High School in Southall were fortunate to meet with a variety of businesses from across the Borough of Ealing at their Winter Careers Conference.

The event was organised by Ealing Connexions who work directly for Ealing Council employing Careers Advisers, based at schools across the borough. The pupils, whose ages ranged from 14 to 18 years old, chatted with businesses to find out more about a diverse range of professions.

Deepali Poojara, a Dispensing Optician from Specsavers Harrow Weald who’s been with the store for over two years, was happy to chat to the enthusiastic students about a raft of career opportunities. Commenting on the event, Ms Poojara says: ‘It was a really buzzy morning, and I was delighted to support the Conference, the Connexions team and meet so many pupils who were so positive and keen.

‘Many of them asked me about Specsavers and what it’s like to work for such an iconic high street brand. I explained that as an organisation we are incredibly supportive of staff development and career progression, with a focus on encouraging everyone to realise their potential.’

During the morning the store team met with students who posed some great questions and learnt more about the eye, ear and the various diagnostic tests carried out as part of a sight test, including the OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) which is hospital grade and takes a 3D image of the of the back of the eye, and can detect some eye conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy up to four years ahead of them presenting via a standard eye test.

The students were given a goody bag which included leaflets on eyecare, contact lenses, and hearing, and how to protect your eyes and ears – so they could pass on their newfound knowledge to friends and family.

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 the professionals.

This Winter Careers Conference has formed part of a programme of 2023 careers events at schools across Ealing. Alison Delius, Careers Adviser, Connexions commented: ‘I was delighted that Deepali and her colleague could support today’s event. It was a really successful morning, and I am sure the students were thrilled to find out more about the science of hearing, what’s involved in an eye test and how to look after your eyes and ears.

‘Plus Specsavers is such a well-known brand, that I’m sure having the chance to meet some of the team and find out more was a great opportunity for them. We always warmly welcome and value the expertise of Specsavers who have supported a number of these events.

‘As a team we really value the support of local businesses, as the career programme does 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 its 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, audiologist, hearcare assistant and laboratory technicians.

For anyone who wants to check out if their eyesight or hearing is in tip top condition, you can contact Specsavers Harrow Weald on 020 8427 5199 or you can also book online: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/harrowweald