Quality and service require future-oriented training
Employees of the Hans Anders optical chain are enrolled in an in-company training program with Summa, where they learn the trade in 1,5 months. They receive the standard optician's diploma, but the path to achieving it is different.
The Netherlands has more than 9 million people who wear glasses. As the population ages, Hans Anders expects this number to increase further. Moreover, more and more young children are also developing poor eyesight because they stare at screens for hours on end. “At the same time, glasses have become fashion and lifestyle products in addition to being medical aids,” says Esther Bodde, HR Director at Hans Anders. “Customers want attractive, high-quality products and perfect service. All of this calls for future-oriented training for a new generation of opticians .”
Optician and retailer
In collaboration with Summa and NCVB Bedrijfsopleidingen, a customized program has been developed: an in-company training course. Over a period of 1,5 years, Hans Anders employees learn the trade: eye measurements and check-ups, technical knowledge, materials knowledge, and styling advice. They also learn how to provide customers with excellent service and the best advice. In this way, they become not only first-class opticians but also successful retailers.
a lot of enthusiasm
The fact that employees can complete this program, which normally takes three years, in half the time is because they've been working at Hans Anders for a while, says Esther Maes, team leader at Summa. "They have certain skills necessary for the profession. They attend the in-company training one day every two weeks, and we provide them with intensive on-the-job guidance." The first group of 3 students has already started, and a second group will begin soon. "There's a lot of interest in the program," says Esther Bodde. "We're happy to give colleagues who want to make a difference for customers and have a passion for optics and fashion the opportunity to reach their full potential."