Embalmer

You could apply to do a Mortuary Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Embalmer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship, with a funeral services company.

These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as an administrator or funeral arranger with a funeral services company and move into embalming by doing training on the job.

You might find it useful to get some work experience with a funeral company, mortuary or funeral home. This could help when applying for trainee roles.

You'll usually need to complete a training course approved by The British Institute of Embalmers .

Courses can take between 2 and 3 years to complete. They include practical sessions in an embalming theatre.

You may need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths, chemistry or biology for some courses. It's important to check with course tutors before enrolling to understand exactly what's required.

Career Tips

When applying for training or jobs, you may have an advantage if you have some knowledge of the funeral practices of different faiths and cultures, and how they deal with the deceased.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join The British Institute of Embalmers for professional development opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further Information

You'll find more details about working as an embalmer through The British Institute of Embalmers .

As an embalmer, you could:

• prepare bodies by washing and disinfecting
• remove fluids and gases from the body and replace them with chemicals
• restore the appearance of bodies, using family photos
• wash and style hair and apply make up
• work closely with the funeral team to meet the family's wishes
• keep embalming facilities hygienically clean
• complete job records and manage stock supplies
• mentor trainees
• treat the deceased with care and respect at all times

You could work at a funeral home, in a laboratory or at a research facility.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.