graeme's story: a new chapter in optics

Graeme didn’t follow a traditional path into optics. He left school with few qualifications and went straight into the world of work. One of his first roles was behind the fish, chicken, and pizza counter in ASDA.

It was during that time he was offered a trial shift in the opticians – and everything changed.

“I just fell in love with optics.”

That one shift was the start of something bigger. And over the years, Graeme built a career across independent practice and domiciliary care. He developed his skills, grew his confidence, and found a genuine sense of purpose in the work.

But like many people, he hit pause. He spent nearly a year working in the public sector – but the pull back into optics never really went away. It wasn’t just about returning to what he knew. It was about finding something that would move him forward.

And now, he has.

We’ve recently supported Graeme in his new chapter as an Assistant Manager at M&S Opticians, and he’s buzzing about what’s ahead.

“I’m hoping to keep growing and progressing, while taking people along with me.”

He first came across Talentshed online a few years ago. So when the time felt right to step back into optics, he reached out. From there, things moved quickly.

Working closely with Emily – one of our team – he felt supported from start to finish. As he put it, working with us felt easy, with everything taken care of. But for Graeme, it wasn’t just about landing a new role. It was about being understood.

“Emily is brilliant. She listened to me and what I wanted. She was there whenever I had a question or was chasing something. The attention to detail and person-centred approach is amazing.”

We’re proud to have supported a small part of Graeme’s journey back into optics – but the real credit is all his. He’s worked incredibly hard to build a career he cares about. His move into management isn’t luck. It’s the result of years of graft, growth, and persistence.

If you’re unsure about taking the next step – or whether we’re the right team to support you – Graeme puts it simply:

“Just do it. They are amazing, and they will work with you to get your dream role.”

Graeme’s story is proof that it doesn’t matter where you started. What matters is where you want to go, and having the right resources when you’re ready to get there.

You don’t need a perfect plan – just the right people in your corner who get it.

Get in touch with us and let’s talk about what’s possible for you.