Apprentice Spectacle Maker
For over 40 million people in the UK, spectacles are the first thing reached for in the morning, and the last thing taken off at night. Even the overworked smartphone cant seize pole position. But the optical industry hasnt changed in over three centuries. Products are tired, standards are poor, and glasses wearers have got used to sub-standard experiences. The reason we exist is to change this for the better. Were not an eyewear brand. Were a spectacles maker. At the heart of our business are our frames - handmade from the best materials. Designed to be worn, serviced, repaired and renewed. We are proud to be a Living Wage Employer and to be B Corp Certified.
The Apprentice Spectacle Maker is where a career in spectacle making begins. Joining our workshop team in Kings Cross, youll learn the craft from the ground up starting with repairs and restoration, the perfect foundation for understanding how a frame is built, fitted and finished. Spectacle Makers at Cubitts are the custodians of our craft, responsible for creating, restoring and refining spectacles with precision and care. You dont need prior experience just a genuine interest in making things well with your hands, and the patience to do it properly. As your skills grow, youll take on more of the making itself, including exposure to workshop machinery such as our CNC equipment, progressing from adjustments and small runs towards bespoke work, all while representing Cubitts values and mission with pride.
Apprentice Spectacle Maker tasks will include:
Repairs & Restoration: Restore and repair spectacle frames from stores and online customers, replacing hinges, screws and nose pads, and polishing and refinishing frames to their original condition.
Diagnosis & Materials: Learn to diagnose common frame faults and choose the right repair method for each material acetate, horn, metal and titanium.
Service Standards: Maintain exceptional workmanship standards and help uphold Cubitts' five-day service return promise, keeping accurate records of service jobs.
Craft Development: Develop your spectacle-making skills through hands-on training and mentoring, learning specialist adjustments such as frame matting, nose pad additions and fine modifications for a perfect fit.
Workshop Machinery: Build familiarity with workshop machinery including CNC routers, tumbling barrels and bridge bumpers, working towards operating them independently and supporting the rollout of new equipment and process improvements.
Production Progression: Progress towards supporting production work small commercial runs, made-to-measure and, in time, bespoke frames.
Materials Care: Learn to source and care for materials (acetate, horn, titanium, hardware and tools) and keep your bench and equipment in excellent order.
Collaboration: Work with retail colleagues to build a shared understanding of product care and craftsmanship, and support spectacle-making classes for colleagues and the public as your confidence grows.
Culture: Foster a positive, team-oriented environment built on trust, open communication and respect, upholding Cubitts' design philosophy of making things properly, with pride and integrity.
What is expected of an Apprentice Spectacle Maker
Genuinely hands-on has a real passion for making, mending and working with your hands; no formal spectacle-making experience required.
Detail-focused strong attention to detail and the patience to deliver consistently high-quality, careful work.
Craft-curious an interest in craft and design; hands-on hobbies or experience in a related discipline (jewellery, model-making, woodwork, metalwork etc.) is a bonus but not essential.
Eager to learn takes feedback well and steadily builds skills, session on session.
Organised punctual and comfortable managing a varied workload in a busy workshop environment.
Collaborative team player humble and proactive, contributing positively to workshop culture.
Personally effective self-aware, actively seeks feedback, and committed to following through on goals.
Innovative mindset open to learning new tools and technology, including workshop machinery like CNC equipment, and willing to test and learn from mistakes.
2026 Goals
Goals for this year, agreed alongside the workshops production operating model:
Craft development
Complete structured training milestones for repairs & restoration within your first 6 months.
Quality
Achieve <1% rework rate on completed repair jobs by year end.
Service standard
Support the team in upholding Cubitts' five-day service return promise.
Our Values
Pioneers
We try to improve things, by doing things better or more simply celebrating both innovation and failure.
Team Members
Approaches situations with an innovative spirit
Uses initiative to get things done
Eager to learn and grow professionally (both vertically and horizontally)
Positive in the face of changes and challenges
Proud
We take pride in doing things properly, even when were exhausted.
Team Members
Takes pride in their work always and always strives to achieve the highest standards
Consistent in the quality and standard of their work
An inspiring team member who always goes above and beyond
For all
We treat everyone with the same warmth and respect, and without ego.
Team Members
Humble and empathetic towards colleagues and customers
Prioritises shared goals over personal ones
Happy to step outside of their job description to support others
Communicates openly and honestly, listening to and respecting everyone's point of view
Recognises strengths in those around and finds ways to celebrate them
Some nice things youll get
Complimentary spectacles and discount
Complimentary eye examination for you, your friends and family
Spectacle making class
Cycle to work Scheme
Buy and sell holiday
Life assurance
Community socials
Refer a friend scheme
Annual season ticket loan
Paid time away for the important moments in life
Personalised training & development
Discounted gym membership
Contract type
40 hours a week flexible across 7 days
Salary band
£13.85 per hour
Working location
Workshop based, Kings Cross, London
