Optician was already my favourite subject in the second year of secondary school, at the very shop where I'm now doing my apprenticeship. Even so , I went to sixth form first because I thought that was the right thing for me – but it wasn't at all. After six weeks, I voluntarily went back to secondary school. The apprenticeship places there had long since been filled, so I did a 10th year at a design college. During that time, I applied again to the same company and was offered the apprenticeship.
What I like about my job is that it's so varied: in the workshop, it's hands-on, whilst in the shop I'm in contact with customers. My working day begins half an hour before the shop opens. During this time, I get everything ready for the day's sales. When I'm on duty at the counter, I welcome customers. I ask them what they need, and sometimes I advise them too.
After my apprenticeship, I'd like to work in the profession for a while, perhaps also do the vocational baccalaureate, and then go to university.
In the workshop, I always have a number of jobs I need to get through. I often grind, polish or frost lenses, or assemble spectacle frames. I haven't sold many pairs of glasses yet, but spending an hour with a customer until she's found the right pair is really cool. After my apprenticeship, I'd like to work in the profession for a while, but I might also do my vocational baccalaureate and then go to university. I'm not sure what I'll study yet.
