Paid work • structured learning • professional licensure
Opticianry already has a pathway. FRAME makes it easier to see and use.
Virginia employers can develop opticians through Registered Apprenticeship while employees earn, learn, and progress toward professional licensure.
01EmploymentStart with a paid optical role.
02ApprenticeshipEnter a structured earn-and-learn progression.
03Technical learningPair workplace development with approved instruction.
04Professional milestonesBuild the documented experience and credentials required to advance.
05LicensureProgress toward Virginia dispensing-optician licensure.
The education infrastructure already exists.
Virginia has established optician training options, including public-college pathways through Reynolds Community College and employer-based education models. FRAME’s role is to help connect the right pieces around the employer and apprentice.
College-connected learning
Reynolds provides an established optician apprentice credential and broader opticianry education pathway.
Employer-connected learning
Employers with strong internal or industry training can remain central to the learning experience.
The opportunity is not to invent another career program.
It is to make an existing skilled profession easier for employers to develop and easier for workers to enter.