Meet an apprenticeship coach: Gina Tye FBDO CL

Everyone has a different way of learning, says dispensing optician (DO) apprenticeship coach Gina Tye, FBDO CL. When she started out in optics she never thought she’d be able to become a contact lens optician (CLO) but today she works in that role in a busy practice.

How do you see the role of apprenticeship coach?

The go-to person for the learner – someone to support them through their learning both for DO and apprenticeship. The coach will build a relationship with them for the whole three years and celebrate their success. I’m flexible with working/contact hours so I can be as accessible as possible for their needs.

Why should people choose apprenticeships?

The apprenticeship route is an extra-supportive way of doing the DO course. The conventional route is still excellent but the apprenticeship gives more check-ins throughout the three years and extra learning to achieve the apprenticeship as well as the DO qualification. I think it offers more insight into real world topics.

The course can lead on to further learning opportunities, in areas such as paediatrics, low vision, contact lenses or optometry – the possibilities are huge.

Why did you become a tutor?

I wanted to give back. I enjoyed the route I undertook so thought this was a good way of helping others.

What has your own career path been?

When I started in optics almost 20 years ago I found contact lenses really interesting, but I never thought I’d be able to become a contact lens optician (CLO). After several years and a lot of discussions with my employer I enrolled on the cert4 (Level 4) course, swiftly followed by the DO course. I realised I could achieve my dream – the CLO course.

I haven’t looked back since, completing qualifications in treating minor eye conditions, training in becoming a distance learning tutor, theory exam marking and now moving into being an apprenticeship coach. It’s really fulfilling.

Do you have any top tips for students?

Make the most of every moment. A three year course seems like a long time but it passes by so quickly.
Be organised in planning to be able to give lots of time for personal pursuits and have a good balance for learning, work and home life.
Set aside a good amount of time for revision.
Enjoy block release and form great friendships – some of my best friends I met at college and I would not have got through the challenges life has thrown at me without their support and friendship.

What have you learned as an educator?

Everyone has a different way of learning – some like to move quickly through the unit work and get it all out of the way but may miss some learning by doing this.

Knowing how to give feedback to students in the way that will encourage them to perform to their best ability is vital. But also I had to believe in myself to be able to move into the role and be able to be the one to give the support.

Distance tutoring is challenging at times but being able to support students through harder times is very rewarding