Apprentice Funeral Service Operative

Join Crake and Mallon as an Apprentice Funeral Service Operative and play a vital role supporting bereaved families in the Teesside community. Working alongside our dedicated operations team, you will gain hands-on experience in funeral operations, vehicle care, and customer service while building a rewarding, lifelong career.

What you'll do

• Assisting in the preparation, lining, and dressing of coffins
• Carrying out removals of the deceased from private homes, nursing homes, and hospitals
• Assisting with Coroners' removals when required
• Driving funeral vehicles, carrying out bearing duties, and transporting ministers
• Daily cleaning, maintenance, and preparation of funeral vehicles

Meeting, assisting, and welcoming bereaved families and visitors at the Chapel of Rest

• Supporting the funeral directing team with operational duties and documentation delivery
• Participating in the out-of-hours on-call rota for removals and family visits

Training

Training will take place on-site at Crake and Mallon in Stockton-on-Tees, supported by regular 1-to-1 sessions with a dedicated Connect2Funeral Care assessor. Learning is delivered through practical, hands-on workplace tasks and flexible online study modules, with dedicated off-the-job training time allocated during normal working hours.

In addition to the formal apprenticeship standard delivered in partnership with Connect2Funeral Care, Crake and Mallon will provide comprehensive operational training across all aspects of funeral service operations. Functional Skills in English and Maths will also be supported if required.

After the apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, a full-time permanent Funeral Service Operative role may be offered to the right candidate. From there, Crake and Mallon offers long-term career progression into specialist areas within the business, such as Senior Funeral Operative, Funeral Conductor, or progressing into a Funeral Director role.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Customer care skills
• Team working
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Physical fitness
• Full clean UK driving licence
• Emotional strength

Things to consider

• Must be 21 years of age or older (due to insurance requirements for driving company vehicles).
• Must hold a full, clean UK driving licence.
• Candidates must be physically fit as the role involves heavy lifting, bearing, and manual handling duties.
• Required to participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota (minimum 90 nights per year), plus occasional weekend and evening cover.
• A standard DBS check may be required upon appointment.

Benefits

• Company Pension
• Comprehensive workplace health and safety training
• Opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification with Connect2Funeral Care

About the employer

Crake and Mallon Funeral Service is an independent, family-owned business which has been caring for the Teesside community since 1971. We support families through funeral arrangements, memorial services and funeral planning, providing practical guidance and compassionate care during some of life's most difficult moments. Our close-knit team combines experience, professionalism, and a strong commitment to personal service. We value kindness, respect, integrity and teamwork, and we believe in investing in the development of our people. Apprentices joining our organisation will become part of a supportive workplace where they can learn from experienced colleagues, develop valuable skills and gain an understanding of a profession that makes a real difference in the community. We encourage continuous learning and welcome individuals who share our commitment to helping others with sensitivity, respect, and care.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Funeral team member (level 2), Sales, marketing and procurement
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: THE OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER LTD
• Expected duration: 1 Year
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 5:00pm. Participation in an on-call rota is required (minimum 90 nights per year), plus additional holiday cover and out-of-hours removals/Chapel of Rest visits when needed.
• Start date: 6 November 2026
• Positions available: 2
• Wage: £26,436.80 a year