Supersmart Gillian sets her sights on a bright future

PLYMOUTH’S Gillian Eddy has received a Master Certificate from the Lord Mayor of the City of London at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Gillian, who works at the Specsavers Plymouth store, was being recognised as one of only three apprentices in the country to achieve 100% in their Level 2 exams.

The event was organised by the Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers in recognition of apprentices who achieved a distinction in their qualifications and have gone on to further optician training.

Gillian, 39, said: ‘This is a real honour. I genuinely wasn’t expecting it. Normally for the Master Certificate Scheme they choose one recipient, but this year three of us got 100%, so they couldn’t choose between us.

‘Everyone at Specsavers Plymouth has been incredibly supportive. They’ve really encouraged me.’

The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers is the oldest optical body in the world, having been founded nearly 400 years ago.

The Master Certificate Scheme encourages career progression in the skills and trades supported by City of London Livery Companies. In his address to those receiving certificates and prizes, the Lord Mayor noted that ‘Quality is not an accident’.

Nathan Burn, a director at Specsavers Plymouth, said: ‘We are extremely proud of Gillian and her achievements. She is a valuable member of our team, working with great care and insight with our patients.

‘We always encourage our staff to carry on learning as they work, for the benefit of all the members of the public they will deal with over their future careers, and we are so pleased that Gillian’s hard work and commitment has been recognised in this way.’