Mansfield apprentice on way to successful career as audiologist

Levi Marshall, 21, had been working part-time at Specsavers in Mansfield during her university studies.

When she finished the degree, which was in history, she asked about opportunities in store.

Levi said: “I was really fascinated by the hearing side of the business, and so asked if I could perhaps take up an assistant role working alongside the hearing partner Tiffany Parmenter.

"The directors had always been super supportive, and they suggested the apprenticeship route – with the opportunity to become a qualified hearing aid dispenser.”

Levi enrolled onto the 18-month hearing aid dispenser course in partnership with DeMontfort University in Leicester.

Her studies combined practical learning in store alongside remote study.

She’s now completed the course and is awaiting her results.

She said: “I count myself pretty lucky to have had the opportunity to continue to develop my learning while working.

"I love the team here and working to support the local community with their hearing is incredibly satisfying. I’m really looking forward to managing my own clinics and supporting Tiffany so that we can expand our services to reach more people.”

Tiffany, who has worked for Specsavers Mansfield for the last 13 years, is quick to note Levi’s commitment.

She said: “She’s worked really hard and shown a natural aptitude for working with people – she’s a fantastic asset to the team.”

Under current government guidance, Specsavers stores remain open for all eye and hearing needs during lockdown.

In line with NHS recommendations, Specsavers colleagues use personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the stores, wear face masks and other PPE during tests, and all testing equipment and frames are thoroughly sanitised before and after each use.

Appointments need to be made in advance and there are also restrictions on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time, strict social distancing rules and, where possible, card instead of cash payments.

For more information or to book an appointment, call Specsavers on 01623 650273 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/mansfield-hearing.