How do I get into the Funeral Industry?

Many people have strong desire to serve others through work in the Funeral Industry.  It is a very difficult industry to enter – many companies are family businesses with a stable team of mature staff, which means that vacancies arise only very rarely. 

If you are trying to obtain employment in the Industry, you should find out the recruitment policies of Companies you would like to join – and follow them.  This may include sending an unsolicited CV, responding to advertisements, or speaking in person with Company Managers.

What training is required to get into the Funeral Industry?

Training is usually provided by Funeral Companies after recruitment of the “right” person. 

How do I become an embalmer?

The embalming qualification is WFS40202 Certificate IV in Funeral Services (Embalming).  A pre-requisite of the course is that each participant must have:-

• A fully qualified mentor (Certificate IV in Mortuary Science or equivalent)
• The mentor must be currently practicing as an embalmer
• The mentor/student must have access to an appropriate mortuary

For best learning outcomes, it is highly recommended that participants be employed in the funeral industry.

How do I arrange work experience within the Funeral Industry?

Due to the sensitivity of issues surrounding death, the desire to professionally care for clients and their loved ones, and privacy and confidentiality concerns, many Funeral Companies to not accept Work Experience Placements.  You should make your own enquiries.

Note that Tobin Brothers Funerals do not accept work experience placements.

I have been a Funeral Director for many years – do I have to start training from the beginning again to achieve a Certificate?

No – The process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competence (RCC) recognise what you have already learnt from other courses, work experience and training and  life experiences.  It is a process of comparing demonstrable knowledge, skills and abilities with the performance criteria for relevant Certificate units.

Further “gap” training can then be provided for any missing skills

What does being a Registered Training Organisation mean?

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) the training and assessment provided is regularly evaluated and audited for service, quality and compliance with the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).  The AQTF is a set of nationally agreed standards to ensure the quality of Vocational Education and Training throughout Australia.

What is RPL or RCC?

See above question

Will training be relevant to my workplace?

Yes, FIDA trainers will discuss the training with your Manager/Supervisor wherever possible.   Many assessment requirements are assignments you can complete whilst going about your daily duties in your workplace, in consultation with your workplace supervisor or mentor.

Will I have to sit exams?

NO!

In keeping with the Australian Quality Training Framework standards, assessments have moved away from written examinations, which may not enable a true assessment of a participant’s abilities due to performance anxiety and stress.  Broader assessment tools are used to establish competency.  These include verbal and written quizzes, practical skills demonstration and questioning, maintenance of a journal, case studies assignments and role plays.   

Assessment requirements are fully explained at the commencement of each unit.

Can I study by distance education?

Yes, some subjects are available to study by correspondence. A pre-requisite is employment in a funeral business. 

I am concerned about privacy issues relating to my workplace?

Each participant and trainer is required to sign a confidentiality agreement which respects all  information which may be shared and discussed during training.  In essence the rule is “what happens in trainings stays in training”

Is Government funding available to assist with the cost of training?

Federal, Territory or State funding may be available depending on the status of the employee (new or existing), the level of the qualification, the State or Territory you live in, and the participant’s previous qualifications.  Employers should make their own enquiries regarding funding through a local New Apprenticeship Centre (NAC).