Funeral Arranger Review

I'm the first person you see when you walk into the branch so my goal is to make a good first impression so all our clients feel comfortable about their loved ones resting with us. I also answer the phones so I'm the first person you call when someone dies and I try to be as respectful while getting as much information as possible and that's not always easy. I also create all the invoices for the funerals so I make sure we're charging the right amount to the client by working with the Funeral Directors. It helps to understand the system and how we accept payments to make this process easy for the client. I do safe to serve which means I check the building for faults and report any that need to be fixed. Normally there isn't anything to report but that could always change. I'm also responsible for doing something called a Chapel Check. This is when I check the deceased for any changes that may take place in our care. It's important because you don't want the family to see sometime that may not look the best. A large part of my job is working with the Funeral Director, passing on information given to me by the client, ordering extra's when needed such as order of Service, obituary and memorials. My job doesn't change each day but what I need to do does. Which makes it interesting and worth it. I've been here less then a year but I really enjoy it.

I've learned the administration side to funeralcare. Our program isn't always the easiest so learning that was the hardest part of it all but I'm getting there. I've learned how to communicate with clients as they go through grief and to support them when they need it. I've learned to be comfortable around the deceased. it may seem like a small thing and I think when everyone starts it's a little difficult but it's getting easier and I'm lucky to have a good support team who always say if you don't feel comfortable don't do it, which is important.

I love working in this environment and feeling like you're changing someone's experience with death by giving them a positive experience. I've really enjoyed working with my couch I think sometimes that she is the only one who really knows the correct answer. If she doesn't she tells you but she always gets back to me with the answer.

I think this is where it goes down hill. PeoplePlus aren't the best, They seem like the extra step in this program that makes it go down hill. My Co-op coach was great on what I need to do to finish and how I can get more experience where PeoplePlus don't really care if you pass or not and don't really explain what you need to pass with them.

I think my boss was understand to a point. The other girl I work with is in the same program and we can't go on apprentice days together because the branch would have to close. I find that difficult since we support each other and often times would drive together. I find it easy to get things done because we're in a quite branch but I know my co-worker doesn't feel the same way. This can make it difficult.

My coach via co-op was amazing. She truly went above and beyond and always helped when I asked. On training days she even wrote down our questions and got back to us with an email the next day. She always explained what we could do to help us complete our apprenticeship fasted for those who want to, meaning me. My PeoplePlus coach wasn't helpful. I did great on my Math test as that is my strong point. I explained over and over to my PeoplePlus coach that I am Dyslexic and struggle with reading and writing. She said I'll have a dictionary but I never got to use it because I didn't have enough time. I ended up failing my reading exam and only after she explained I could have had more time due to my Dyslexia. My question and my co-op coach have both asked is why I wasn't told about this before my text since I made her aware. I failed my 2 marks, which makes it worse. I rated the 6 stars because my co-op coach is amazing.

Claire was great when explaining our job role and how to do everything. She always made a point to make sure we all know what we were doing and how it relates to our job role. I felt she was giving us a great start and she continued to that so we all felt great about coming to her with any problems. She was the first person I emailed about failing my English. She was supportive and helpful which is exactly what I needed.

None that I am aware of or none that are local. Our main hub is about 30 minutes away and so if they have a night out it's a little far to get a bus over and join them. Also up until recently we have had a little rift with feeling that we couldn't call them for help because of the tone they took. Lucky our manager has been working on this and the situation is getting better.

Yes

I found Co-op has worked really well with my family. Since my husband is in the army I'm able to take my job and move with it if I need too. Sure I haven't done this just yet but I hope when the time comes Co-op with continue with their promise and transfer me to a branch near where I will be moving too. I believe they have encouraged me to look at other aspects of the job. I want to be an embalmer and I was able to go to the super mortuary in Edinburgh and I watched someone being embalmed. It was an amazing experience and I really enjoyed being able to do this. I did this on my own and they encouraged it.

Go for it. The apprenticeship is easy if you do your reflective logs and you're open to learn new things you never thought you would learn. It emotionally difficult for the first few weeks while you get used to the pace, deceased and everything else but it will get better and once it's done it's done.