Mister Spex Starts 2025 Apprenticeship Cohort with 47 New Trainees

On August 1, 2025, German optical retailer Mister Spex began its 2025 apprenticeship program with 47 new trainees, including 45 in optometry. This cohort brings the total number of apprentices joined since 2016 to 257, with 223 specializing in optometry. The company operates five training workshops in Berlin, Münster, Reutlingen, Mannheim, and Cologne to support hands-on skill development. Apprentices spend approximately 14 weeks per year in these workshops without sales pressure, alongside store experience and vocational school education. Mister Spex reports an average post-apprenticeship employment rate of 75 percent since the program's inception. Executive Vice President Retail Heinzpeter Mandl stated the initiative addresses skilled professional shortages in the optical industry.