A teenager who became an optician’s first apprentice is taking the next step in her career.

Amber Murtaza, 19, of Enfield, was the first apprentice at Scrivens Opticians in Palace Gardens Shopping Centre, Enfield Town.

Following a successful apprenticeship as a trainee dispensing optician, Ms Murtaza will now begin her three-year diploma in ophthalmic dispensing at City and Islington college and is being sponsored by the company.

She said: “The training at Scrivens has provided the platform for me to start my career in this profession. I have been given great support and encouragement and the course is going well.

“I appreciate the help I have been given and I’m looking forward to furthering my career. The apprenticeship was the right option for me. I was quite shy before but working here has given me more confidence. I intend to work hard and take up the opportunities that come my way.”

May Healy, of Scrivens’ regional team, said: “Amber was the first apprentice we have taken on and she has been an ideal candidate. Amber has applied herself and achieved and exceeded all the targets set. We are confident she has a promising career ahead of her.”