What Is a Funeral Service Apprentice and How to Become One

A funeral service apprentice works for a funeral service and learns the skills necessary to become a funeral director, embalmer, or mortician. In some states, you must be a funeral director apprentice or mortician’s apprentice before you can earn a license to run your funeral service operation. An apprentice gets on-the-job training along with direct instruction. A funeral service apprentice performs many of the same duties as their superiors but under the supervision of a licensed professional. After completing the apprenticeship program, the apprentice may have the necessary qualifications to work in funeral services.

To become a funeral service apprentice, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, such as biology or medicine. Some colleges even offer a specific degree in mortuary science. After earning your degree, you can craft a strong resume and reach out to any industry contacts who can help you find an apprenticeship. Some states require that full-time funeral directors go to mortuary school and earn a license. It may be a good idea to complete an apprenticeship before school so you can gain the necessary hands-on experience to learn the essential skills of the trade.

A funeral assistant and funeral apprentice may perform similar day-to-day tasks, but an apprentice often has greater responsibilities than an assistant. A funeral assistant helps the director plan funerals, works with clients, handles the transport of the deceased, and makes sure the office is well-supplied. An assistant is not usually involved with embalming and does not perform any of the mortician’s work. However, an apprentice wants to learn every aspect of running a funeral home and participates in these tasks. An assistant may not have the end-goal of becoming a funeral director, but an apprentice does and often receives extra hours and training to meet this goal.