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Mortuary Apprentice Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bliley's

Funeral Service Apprentice

Richmond, VA

The Funeral Service Apprentice at Bliley's supports licensed funeral professionals across the ... Must have a mortuary science degree or be in the final semester of completing one. * Must have ...

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Mortuary Apprentice information

What is a mortuary apprentice?

A mortuary apprentice is an individual who is gaining practical experience and training in funeral service under the supervision of a licensed funeral director or embalmer. This role involves learning about embalming, funeral arrangements, restorative art, and assisting with the day-to-day operations of a funeral home. Mortuary apprentices often work toward fulfilling the requirements necessary for licensure in funeral service. Duties may include preparing bodies for burial or cremation, helping with funeral services, and administrative tasks. The apprenticeship period is an important step in developing the skills and knowledge required for a career in funeral service.

What are some common challenges mortuary apprentices face during their training period?

Mortuary Apprentices often encounter challenges such as adapting to the emotional demands of working with grieving families, learning specialized embalming and restorative techniques, and managing multiple tasks in a time-sensitive environment. The role requires a balance of technical skills and compassionate communication, which can be overwhelming for newcomers. With mentorship and hands-on experience, apprentices develop resilience and confidence, gradually taking on more responsibilities as they progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mortuary apprentice?

To thrive as a Mortuary Apprentice, you need foundational knowledge in mortuary science, anatomy, and embalming techniques, usually supported by enrollment in or completion of an accredited mortuary science program. Familiarity with embalming equipment, safety protocols, and record-keeping software is essential. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help in supporting grieving families and collaborating with funeral directors. These skills are vital for maintaining professional standards, ensuring respectful handling of remains, and delivering sensitive service during emotionally challenging times.

What is the difference between Mortuary Apprentice vs Funeral Director?

AspectMortuary ApprenticeFuneral Director
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingLicensing, certification, experience
Work EnvironmentAssisting in funeral homes, preparing bodiesManaging funeral arrangements, client interactions
Industry UsageEntry-level role, learning the tradeSenior role, overseeing services

Mortuary Apprentices are entry-level workers gaining hands-on experience in funeral homes, focusing on body preparation and support tasks. Funeral Directors are licensed professionals responsible for planning and managing funeral services. While apprentices learn the basics, funeral directors handle client relations and overall service coordination.

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

The most popular types of Mortuary jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mortuary Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Mortuary Apprentice job openings:

Mortuary Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mortuary Apprentice job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Funeral Service Apprentice

Joseph W Bliley Co

Richmond, VA • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 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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