Funeral Arranger Review

I am a Funeral Arranger. This involves making the arrangements for the funerals with the families in the office and at their homes and filling in the paperwork for this. We also assist with chapel visits and doctors visits. We are responsible for the general tidiness and cleanliness of the funeral homes as well as any general admin duties.

I am learning more about the process regarding deceased people such as how to register a death etc. I have learnt how to arrange a funeral and all the things that are involved with this such as how to order masonry. I am developing my skills around talking to people who are grieving and other communications skills.

I am really enjoying my programme. I think it is a brilliant way to learn a new job as you have to think and reflect on what you are learning. My coach has been great and is a real support when I am finding things difficult or feeling demotivated. It is a good way to learn a new trade as you get your on the job learning time so can still enjoy time at home.

My programme is very well structured. We have access to a tracking system which tells us exactly where we are and what we have done. We have a Learning and Development plan which is updated after every session but which clearly outlines what is expected of us along with regular reviews and teaching sessions.

The support from my employer has been good but at busy times it can be difficult to make sure there is time for the 20% on the job learning we are supposed to do. However my manager has been supportive and helped make time when I have been struggling with this. The coach provided by the Coop to help me through the programme has been fantastic.

I have not really had much support from the training provider yet but I think that is because of where I am in the apprenticeships. I do have training days and a couple of webinars coming up along with access to lesson plans for the functional skills part of the apprenticeship.

I think it helps you perform better in your role as you get lots of training days in regards to the main aspects of your role and also because you have to fill in training logs about what you have learnt it makes you think about what you have been doing each day.

I have not got involved in any extra curricular activities as yet but we do take part in a lot of community work and we are discussing put a team together to take part in a sporting event such as Race for Life. We do have team briefings where all the branches get together as well.

Yes

I have found the whole process of starting to work for the Coop easy. The recruitment process worked well and the support I have received since I started has been great. I also like the fact that we get to do the apprenticeship as it is a big help in learning everything.

I would read up about the principles that the Coop adheres to as this is a very important part of the recruitment process and something the Coop feels strongly about. I would also research the role you are applying for as well as the other service that the Coop provide.