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Thread: Apprenticeship-VS-Community College in FLA

  1. #1
    OptiWizard Pogu's Avatar
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    Apprenticeship-VS-Community College in FLA

    *What are the pros and cons of the college route versus apprenticeship?
    *Will one be regarded more highly than the other when I look for employment?
    *Will my boss feel like I'm working around him if I go the college route?
    *Which will be more advantageous should I move to another state in the future?

    Thanks for being here :)

  2. #2
    Underemployed Genius Jacqui's Avatar
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    College will probably be more useful if you should move. I personaly like to see college and at least a one year apprenticeship.

  3. #3
    Master OptiBoarder
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    I agree with Jacqui.

    Learn as much as possible. I suggest that you go over to the Optiboard Job Forum and read over a few pages of posts looking for optical help. I think that you will find a rather disturbing trend. It seems that most of the posts are asking for a good sales person who can sell, answer the phone, make appointments, is out going and friendly. I doubt that you will find many posts asking for any optical experience. Some say it is desired, some say a year or two, but not many. I have found that the more knowledge and experience that you have in this business, the less employable that you become. That is where the college education will come in very handy. You could always use it as a springboard to another profession!

  4. #4
    OptiBoard Professional William Walker's Avatar
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    In my (humble) opinion, you would do best by working in the field while going to school.
    From school, I learned the technical, academic side of the field (Prentice rule, Corrective Curve theory, understanding slab offs and prism) better than I would have in the field by far.
    From working in the field (practically the same as apprenticing), I learned more of the technique (how to talk to patients, how to problem solve, how to adjust, etc...).
    I think if you only choose one of these routes, you are neglecting half of the job, and would be put at a distinct disadvantage when entering the field as a licensed optician.
    William Walker

    Associates in Science in Opticianry
    Associates in Science in Optical Business Management
    Licensed Dispensing Optician
    Board Certified
    Certified Paraoptometric Assistant
    American Board of Opticianry Advanced Certified
    National Contact Lens Examiners Certified

    Next Goal: ABOM

    Optician with Lenscrafters in Jacksonville, FL

  5. #5
    Master OptiBoarder rbaker's Avatar
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    Without a doubt the best route is a two year academic program followed by an apprenticeship with a master guru optician (if you can find one.) In this business, as in any other, you will only receive in proportion to what you invest. There is a great shortage of journeyman opticians these days which has created a great opportunity to those few individuals who willing to invest the time and effort to learn the craft.

  6. #6
    Bad address email on file fvc2020's Avatar
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    I know this might look funny coming from me, but contact Laurie at Hillsborough CC. They have a on-line/distance program that takes care of both school and apprenticing......


    She'll really help you out:)

    christina

    ps I used to live in Florida

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