Mortuary technician
Level 3 · AdvancedHealth and science 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Mortuary technicians prepare and care for deceased individuals in NHS, private, and coroner's mortuaries, supporting post-mortem examinations, identification, and the care of bereaved families. Apprentices learn anatomy, mortuary procedures, infection control, and how to work respectfully and professionally in a sensitive environment. The role requires resilience and compassion and can progress to senior mortuary technician or anatomical pathology technician positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Human anatomy and pathology relevant to mortuary practice
Mortuary procedures including receipt, storage, and preparation of the deceased
Assisting at post-mortem examinations under supervision
Infection control and safe working in a mortuary environment
Legal and documentation requirements for death certification
Supporting bereaved families with dignity and sensitivity
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Receive, identify, and record deceased individuals on arrival
Prepare bodies for identification viewings and release
Assist pathologists during post-mortem examinations
Maintain mortuary equipment and storage areas
Handle, label, and dispatch tissue samples correctly
Communicate compassionately with bereaved families
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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