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Embalming Apprentice Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bliley's

Funeral Service Apprentice

Richmond, VA

This role includes opportunities to assist with embalming, funeral arranging, and funeral direction ... Apprentices work under supervision of licensed funeral professionals to fulfill state licensure ...

Bliley's

Embalmer/Funeral Director

Richmond, VA

$49K - $64K/yr

... apprentices, and partners with funeral directors and operations teams to support services as needed ... Complete embalming and cremation logs, refrigeration logs, and chain-of-custody documentation.

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Embalming Apprentice information

What is an embalming apprentice?

Embalming apprentices are individuals who are training under the supervision of licensed embalmers to learn the skills and techniques necessary for the embalming process. They assist with preparing bodies for funerals by cleaning, preserving, and restoring them, as well as learning about health, safety, and legal regulations. This apprenticeship is a crucial step toward becoming a licensed embalmer, providing hands-on experience and knowledge of funeral service practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embalming apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embalming Apprentice, you need a foundational understanding of human anatomy, sanitation procedures, and compliance with health and safety regulations, typically acquired through formal mortuary science education or on-the-job training. Familiarity with embalming instruments, chemical handling, and documentation systems is essential. Attention to detail, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills help maintain professionalism and support grieving families. These skills ensure dignified care of the deceased, adherence to legal standards, and compassionate service during sensitive times.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by an embalming apprentice during their training period?

As an Embalming Apprentice, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to the emotional aspects of working with grieving families and the deceased, mastering technical skills like proper chemical handling and anatomical restoration, and maintaining strict adherence to health and safety regulations. Apprentices often work irregular hours, and the learning curve can be steep due to the sensitive and precise nature of the work. Support from experienced mentors and a willingness to learn are essential for overcoming these challenges and developing confidence in your role.

What is the difference between Embalming Apprentice vs Embalmer?

AspectEmbalming ApprenticeEmbalmer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and enrollment in embalming training programsRequires state licensure, completion of apprenticeship, and passing licensing exams
Work EnvironmentAssists in embalming under supervision, working in funeral homes or mortuariesPerforms embalming independently, managing preparation of bodies in funeral homes
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning embalming techniques, assisting with procedures, gaining hands-on experienceExecuting embalming procedures, ensuring proper preservation and presentation of bodies

The Embalming Apprentice is in training, gaining practical experience under supervision, while the Embalmer is a licensed professional responsible for embalming bodies independently. Both roles are essential in the funeral industry, with apprentices progressing toward becoming fully licensed embalmers.

How to start a career as an embalming apprentice?

To start a career as an embalming apprentice, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a state-approved mortuary science program. Apprenticeship involves working under licensed embalmers to gain hands-on experience, often requiring certification or licensing depending on the state regulations. Developing skills in anatomy, chemistry, and sanitation is essential for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embalming jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Embalming jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Embalming Apprentice jobs in Virginia?

For Embalming Apprentice jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Embalming Apprentice jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Embalming Apprentice jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Embalming Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Embalming Apprentice job openings:

Embalming Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embalming Apprentice job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Funeral Service Apprentice

Joseph W Bliley Co

Richmond, VA • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Temporary
Description
For more than a century, Bliley's Funeral Homes & Cremation Center has stood for service, trust, and professionalism. As we continue to grow, joining our team means being part of a legacy of care and a culture where every associate contributes to the experience families remember. We seek individuals who hold themselves to a high standard and find meaning in helping others.
Summary of Job Function:
At Bliley's, our mission is to "guide our community through grief with ritual, education, and compassion" - and training the next generation of licensed funeral directors is a key component of that philosophy. The Funeral Service Apprentice at Bliley's supports licensed funeral professionals across the organization while gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of funeral service. This role includes opportunities to assist with embalming, funeral arranging, and funeral direction, as well as the transportation of deceased persons, maintenance of fleet and facilities, running errands, and actively promoting Bliley's in the community. Apprentices work under supervision of licensed funeral professionals to fulfill state licensure requirements and develop the skills necessary to become a licensed Funeral Director.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Assist the Central Services Manager as needed, including transporting deceased persons, answering phone calls, and running company errands.
  • Serve as a Funeral Director Assistant when needed, assisting licensed funeral directors with conducting ceremonies, transporting flowers, directing parking and processions, and driving hearses.
  • Assist licensed funeral directors in the Care Center to provide all aspects of decedent care, including embalming, dressing, presentation, and maintaining a clean environment.
  • Assist licensed funeral directors with all aspects of funeral arranging, including conferences, death certificates, obituaries, receptions, celebrants, venues, escorts, military honors, ceremony planning, etc.
  • Assist licensed funeral directors with all aspects of funeral services, including visitations, church ceremonies, funeral home ceremonies, cemetery ceremonies, processions, etc.
  • Assist Fleet & Facilities Manager with maintenance of fleet and facilities.
  • Complete all necessary licensing requirements, including 2000 hours, 25 embalmings, and 25 family interactions.
  • Actively promote Bliley's Funeral Homes and Cremation Center in the community.

Requirements
  • Must have a mortuary science degree or be in the final semester of completing one.
  • Must have career ambitions for becoming a licensed funeral director.
  • Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work compassionately with families and associates of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures.
  • Significant carrying, pushing and/or pulling and frequent lifting of objects weighing 25-75 pounds along with the ability for job related lifting of 75-125 pounds.
  • Significant ability to work independently.
  • Ability to multitask within job requirements.
  • Must be detail-oriented.

Salary Description
$17 / hour

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