Funeral Arranger Review

On a daily basis, I am responsible for maintaining the safe operations of my branch. I am the main contact for our clients and usually the first person they speak to. I liaise with many different parties; clients, colleagues, crematoriums etc. In addition, I often deal with banking, funeral arrangements, booking and ordering everything needed.

I have learnt so much whilst on the apprenticeship. Tasks set on bud really make me look at the bigger picture. For example, researching competitors and the products they offer has really made me think about how we maintain our position in the competitive market. I have learnt that as an Arranger, you day can change so quickly. You have to learn to react quickly and appropriately, ensuring you prioritise tasks.

I enjoy the programme, as it prompts me to reflect on varied situations and tasks. It encourages me to think long term, where I would like to go with my career and how I get there. My coach is very friendly and approachable. If there is anything that I need clarifying, she is more than happy to take time out to make sure I know what I'm doing. Overall, it beats my expectations. I wasn't expecting to cover the vast topics that we are.

Due to Covid, the programme is now taking place remotely. Before this, we were having classroom sessions at our local care centre. These were great, as it was nice to meet individuals in the same position, sharing our learning and experiences. Regular check-ins and reviews with my coach allows me to stay on track, clearly mapping out what the next steps are.

It is difficult to judge, as the covid pandemic has really affected our industry as a whole. It has been difficult to find 20% of my working week to dedicate to my learning. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] has fully understood the struggles and has been very supportive throughout. However, most colleagues I have approached have been more than happy to guide me.

Regular check-ins and reviews are a great form of support. However, I know if I needed guidance, I can always call or email my coach, who is always more than happy to help. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] has a great level of enthusiasm with a great outlook and attitude. This makes the learning process very enjoyable.

Gaining prior knowledge has been a big help. It has allowed me to be aware of what to expect, when facing certain tasks/situations. Doing the apprenticeship has made me much more aware of how we operate commercially. This has encouraged me to get to know our products and services in greater detail, so I can best assist our clients.

There have been fundraising days in the past. I haven't experienced many of these yet, as I joined the business at a very busy time. I know that other branches regularly hold community events when possible. This is something I am keen to learn more about, so I can hold them for my own branch.

Yes

Working in funeralcare is so very rewarding. Though some days may be tough, knowing you have done your best to help a family, through one of their hardest life events, is a real achievement. There are always many opportunities to upskill and progress in your career. There are some incredible colleagues who will go above and beyond to help you.

Though the application process may seem lengthy, stick with it. Come into the business with an open mind. You will be given plenty of opportunity to learn, succeed and grow. I would have like to have been told what to expect to be doing on a daily basis and what my role looks like in reality.