Beginning Your Career

People enter a funeral service career for many reasons and at various times in their lives. Some know at a very early age that this is their profession of choice, while others come to the decision after careers in other fields. Some reasons you may be drawn to funeral service include: 

• You are a caregiver who enjoys serving others. 
• You believe that ceremony is an effective means of expressing feelings and meeting needs. • You are tolerant of ways in which people of different faiths and cultures express their feelings and practice their beliefs. 
• You are interested in the technical sciences. 
• You exhibit sensitivity and compassion 
• You are interested in learning all aspects of a business. 

A career in funeral services allows you to: 

• Obtain an education which may be paid for by your employer. 
• Work while you are attending school and be paid a salary. 
• Apply your education immediately and develop practical on-the-job skills.

Finding Your Career

Funeral service professionals work in funeral homes in many different capacities and roles. Funeral professionals are caring and empathetic people who walk with the bereaved through one of life’s most difficult journeys. Funeral professionals also aid the bereaved in one of the most daunting but rewarding tasks: the final care of their loved ones. 

Funeral Director

The Funeral Director is a licensed professional who enables families and communities to celebrate life and provides support for the living.

Embalmer

 The duties of the embalmer are regarded as sacred tasks and must be performed in a dignified and professional manner.

Sales & Administration

Work with grieving families to help them make funeral arrangements and handle administrative tasks such as billing and record-keeping.

How To Get Started

In BC, Embalmers and Funeral Directors are licensed and regulated by Consumer Protection BC. In order to obtain your license, you must complete the BC Funeral Services Apprenticeship Program.