Summary
Sefton Council Bereavement Services are looking to appoint an Apprentice Bereavement services Assistant. The successful candidate must be patient, empathetic and professional, showing excellent customer service skills. The post will be based at Thornton Crematorium, Thornton Garden of Rest, Lydiate Lane, Thornton, L23 1TP.
Wage
£14,976 to £23,793.12, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
Hours - 36 hours per week & Fixed term for 15 months •Age 16-17(£7.55 per hour) •Age 18-20(£10.00 per hour) •Age 21+(£12.21 per hour)
Training course
Funeral team member (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 4.30pm.
36 hours a week
Start date
Wednesday 1 July 2026
Duration
1 year 3 months
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
You would be the first point of contact for all bereavement related enquiries at Thornton Crematoria from Funeral Directors, Clergy, bereaved families and the general public.
To ensure that all burial and cremation documents are processed in line with all statutory legislation in a timely manner. Provide further administrative support for the service for all aspects of service delivery and customer care to the bereaved and other service users
To undertake the cremation process of deceased persons under the direction of the Bereavement Services Manager, in accordance with the codes of practice, ethics and all relevant to date legislation.
To provide a caring, sensitive, and high-quality service to the bereaved and members of the public attending the cremation service. To undertake all chapel duties in the crematorium in readiness for service provision and all associated work in the environment within the crematorium.
Where you'll work
Lydiate Lane
Thornton
Liverpool
L23 1TP
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
HIT TRAINING LTD
Training course
Funeral team member (level 2)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* Client: Use appropriate methods of communication including non- verbal, verbal, written and social media. Use clear language in all communication, verbal and written, seeking help when it is required.
* Client: Use clear, relevant and empathetic communication to establish clients’ needs and satisfy their requirements. Deliver excellent service during all interactions, including phone, face-to-face, electronic and postal communications.
* Client: Apply business policies and procedures to handle client concerns, complaints and compliments. Deal with client feedback within the limits of your own authority, sharing positive comments, escalating negative comments and finding solutions where possible.
* Reputation: Operate within the business values when dealing with clients and team members in all daily activities.
* Reputation: Engage in professional relationships with clients, communities and other stakeholders in order to help build a positive public reputation. Report any instance where the reputation of the business could be / has been damaged.
* Reputation: Use technology including social media in line with business requirements.
* Team: Support team members to ensure that the services provided are of a high quality, delivered on time and as required.
* Team: Adapt positively to all types of team leaders, team members and different types of team within the business in which you work.
* Legal & Governance: Comply with legal and business requirements whilst conducting all services. Follow business policies and procedures relating to third party locations of the deceased, identification, release of ashes, personal effects, notifiable diseases and specialist services.
* Personal Development & Performance: Take ownership for own learning development and performance. Carry out personal development activities. Identify your own learning styles.
* Products & Services: Take a proactive approach to providing clients with product and service information within your area of responsibility. Offer information and assistance with specialist services and products.
* Arranging: Arrange, plan and assist in visits to the deceased, ensuring client’s needs are respected at all times. Arrange at need or pre need funerals according to clients requirements, maintaining accurate records of all products and services ordered. Complete, discuss and agree client contracts efficiently and according to business guidelines. Gather and collate feedback from clients using the businesses approved systems and communication methods.
* Administration/Finance: Access and use systems accurately, efficiently and within legislation requirements. Maintain precise records of all products and services purchased by clients. Ensure the timely receipt of payments and finance agreements.
* Maintain & Drive Vehicles: Follow relevant legislation, codes of practice and business standards for driving, maintaining and cleaning business vehicles. Use pre-arranged routes when driving business vehicles during funeral services and alternative routes when necessary reporting issues with routes to the appropriate person.
* Care of the Deceased: Transfer the deceased using correct techniques and maintaining client and business requirements. Assist in the preparation and presentation of the coffin and the deceased.
* Funeral: Attend funeral briefings and use information to assist in the delivery of the funeral. Handle coffins and floral tributes safely and respectfully at all times. Carry out allocated duties with dignity and respect to ensure the smooth running of the funeral.
Training schedule
Qualification - Level 2 Funeral Team Member.
Apprentices without Level 1 or above English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for Level 2 English and maths prior to taking the end-point assessment.
On and off-the-job training and location to be confirmed.
More training information
It is a requirement that upon entering the service, the post holder must undertake the training, if not already held, of the FBCA crematorium Technician Training to formally hold a certificate of Proficiency in accordance with the Cremation Regulations.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 3 and above)
* Maths (grade 3 and above)
Other in:
Driving (grade Clean)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Administrative skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
* Empathy
Other requirements
This role is working outdoors, all year round.