AN Enfield opticians has been put forward for a national award recognising its innovative approach to work experience.
Good Looking Optics takes in around 50 young people a year, giving them experience working for a business and teaching them skills which will benefit them during their careers.
The firm, based in Genotine Road, Enfield Town, is in the running for an award from the Institute of Education Business Excellence, against other companies from across the UK.
Gary Kousoulou, director of the opticians, said he was delighted with the news, which recognises the work they have put into their work experience scheme.
He said: ?It is nice to be recognised, having built up a huge reputation for people wanting to come to us on work experience.
?We think it is a huge achievement and are very pleased to have been nominated.?
The business teaches young people five core skills, said Mr Kousoulou, and encourages them to post videos on YouTube and blog daily about their experience.
He said they are first given a task to research something they know nothing about, such as fine wines or juggling, and shown that there is no task that is beyond them during work.
They are then coached on interpersonal skills, clinical tasks around the opticians, and transferable skills such as using the computer, and are introduced to social media.
Mr Kousoulou said he is always inundated with requests for work experiences, and hopes the award nomination will show the value of the time young people spend with them.
