Amie Louise Cook – Operational Director at Jackson Family Funeral Directors

“Working with Connect2Care has been a fantastic experience. The course covered so much more than I initially expected”

Why an apprenticeship?

Before joining Jackson Family Funeral Directors, I worked in the funeral industry but had never arranged or conducted funerals. My role was limited to funeral service operations, and I wanted to expand my knowledge and become a fully qualified Funeral Director. When I joined Jacksons as a trainee, I realised that there was so much more to learn, and I wanted to ensure I had the right skills to support families with the care, professionalism, and attention to detail they deserve.

I chose the Level 3 Funeral Director apprenticeship because I wanted to develop a complete understanding of the funeral industry. I didn’t just want to learn how to conduct funerals, but also to understand the wider business, including religious customs, legal requirements, market trends and leadership skills. For me, it was about more than just a qualification; it was about having the knowledge and confidence to provide the highest level of service to the families we work with.

Learning should never stop, and this apprenticeship gave me the structure and motivation to push myself further. It provided a clear pathway to progress in my career while also giving me the ability to reflect on my own development, helping me grow not only as a professional but as a person.

Benefitting your business

Since completing my apprenticeship, I have been promoted to Operational Director. In this role, I now oversee the day-to-day running of the business, managing HR, payroll, staffing, and strategic decision-making, while continuing my role as a Funeral Director. The structured learning process throughout my apprenticeship gave me the confidence to take on these responsibilities and apply what I learned in real-life situations.

One of the most valuable aspects of the apprenticeship was learning how to lead and manage effectively. I have developed skills in decision-making, problem-solving and business strategy, which have helped me ensure the company continues to grow while maintaining our high standards of care. The course also gave me a deeper understanding of market trends and financial planning, helping me play a more active role in the future of the business.

The training also reinforced the importance of compliance and industry regulations. It gave me the knowledge I needed to ensure we operate at the highest professional standards and continue to build trust within our community. Being able to understand and implement these key aspects of the business has not only benefited me but has also strengthened the company as a whole.

Most importantly, the apprenticeship has improved the way I support families. I now feel more confident in my ability to provide guidance and reassurance, ensuring that every funeral is carried out with care and dignity. The skills I have gained have allowed me to develop a reputation for professionalism and compassion, which is vital in this industry.

The Connect2Care difference

Working with Connect2Care has been a fantastic experience. The course covered so much more than I initially expected, offering insight into all aspects of the industry, from burial at sea to market research and legal compliance. The breadth of knowledge I gained has been invaluable in helping me understand the bigger picture of the funeral profession.

One of the most important factors in my success was the support of my trainer, Chris Willin. His patience, understanding and expertise made a huge difference to my learning experience. He recognised that, in the funeral industry, families always come first, and he was flexible with my training schedule, ensuring that I could balance my learning with my responsibilities.

Completing this apprenticeship has been one of my greatest achievements. I even passed my maths qualification, something I had never achieved in school. That was a huge personal milestone for me, and it reinforced my belief that it’s never too late to develop new skills and push yourself beyond what you think is possible.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship, it would be to never stop learning. The funeral industry is always evolving, and the more knowledge you gain, the better you will be at serving the families who rely on you. This apprenticeship has given me skills for life, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to develop their career.