About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Embalmers preserve and prepare deceased individuals for viewing, funeral services, and in some cases repatriation, using specialist embalming and restorative art techniques. You will work in a funeral home or mortuary, combining scientific knowledge with compassionate, dignified care for the deceased and their families. The role offers progression into advanced embalming, mortuary management, or teaching.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Human anatomy, physiology, and the changes that occur after death
Embalming chemistry, arterial fluids, and cavity fluids
Arterial and cavity embalming techniques and injection methods
Restorative art: reconstruction and cosmetic preparation of the deceased
Infection control, personal protective equipment, and mortuary health and safety
Legislation governing the care and transportation of human remains
Communicating sensitively with bereaved families about preparation choices
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Conduct a pre-embalming assessment and review case notes
Perform arterial embalming through the circulatory system
Treat body cavities to prevent decomposition and odour
Apply restorative techniques to repair trauma or reconstruct features
Dress, cosmetise, and present the deceased for family viewing
Maintain a clean, hygienic, and legally compliant preparation room
Complete embalming records, consent forms, and case documentation
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 5 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 6 (Degree) apprenticeship or a senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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