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Embalming Apprenticeship Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bliley's

Funeral Service Apprentice

Richmond, VA · On-site

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 · On-site

$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.

All JobsEmbalming Apprenticeship JobsEmbalming Apprenticeship Jobs in Virginia

Embalming Apprenticeship information

What is an embalming apprenticeship?

An embalming apprenticeship is a supervised training program where individuals learn the skills and techniques required to prepare bodies for burial or cremation. Apprentices work under licensed embalmers, gaining hands-on experience in embalming procedures, restorative art, and health and safety practices. This apprenticeship is typically a requirement before obtaining a license to practice as a professional embalmer. It helps apprentices understand the ethical, legal, and technical aspects of funeral service. The length and requirements of the apprenticeship vary by state or country.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embalming apprentice?

To thrive as an Embalming Apprentice, you need a foundational knowledge of human anatomy, chemistry, and mortuary science, often supported by enrollment in an accredited mortuary science program. Familiarity with embalming instruments, chemicals, and personal protective equipment is essential, along with adherence to OSHA and state health regulations. Attention to detail, emotional resilience, and strong communication skills help apprentices manage sensitive situations and interact respectfully with grieving families. These competencies ensure the safe, dignified, and professional care of the deceased, which is vital for both legal compliance and compassionate service.

What are some typical challenges encountered during an embalming apprenticeship, and how can I prepare for them?

During an embalming apprenticeship, common challenges include adapting to the emotional aspects of working with deceased individuals and supporting grieving families, as well as mastering the technical skills required for embalming procedures. Apprentices are often exposed to a variety of cases, which can be physically and mentally demanding. To prepare, it’s helpful to develop strong coping mechanisms for stress and grief, maintain a high level of professionalism, and be proactive in seeking feedback from licensed embalmers. Building good communication skills will also help when collaborating with funeral directors and other staff.

What is the difference between Embalming Apprenticeship vs Embalmer?

AspectEmbalming ApprenticeshipEmbalmer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, apprenticeship training, state licensingHigh school diploma, embalming license, certification
Work EnvironmentOn-the-job training under supervision, funeral homesIndependent or team work in funeral homes, laboratories
Industry UsageTraining stage before becoming a licensed embalmerLicensed professional performing embalming procedures

In summary, an Embalming Apprenticeship is a training period where individuals learn embalming skills under supervision, while an Embalmer is a licensed professional who performs embalming independently. The apprenticeship prepares candidates for licensure and full responsibilities as an embalmer.

How to become an embalming apprenticeship?

To become an embalming apprentice, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a state-approved mortuary science program. Afterward, they apply for an apprenticeship, which involves supervised training in embalming techniques, sanitation, and restorative art, often leading to licensure or certification depending on state requirements.

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

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

Embalming Apprenticeship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embalming Apprenticeship job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Funeral Service Apprentice

Joseph W Bliley Co

Richmond, VA • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 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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