Deborah Louise Aspinall

Why an Apprenticeship?

I have worked in the funeral industry for several years, and from the beginning my ambition has always been to become a funeral director. Along my journey, I made a conscious decision to gain experience across different roles, spending time in funeral arranging and also working as a Funeral Service Operative. I wanted to fully understand every part of the profession — both the client-facing side and what happens behind the scenes — so that I could support families with confidence, knowledge, and care.

I currently work at Frank Dooley & Son as a Trainee Funeral Director. I chose to undertake the Level 3 Funeral Director apprenticeship because I wanted to develop my underpinning knowledge and gain a recognised qualification while continuing to do the job I love. The apprenticeship allows me to bring together theory and practical experience, helping me grow in confidence and strengthen my skills every day.

Benefitting My Business

The apprenticeship has had a significant impact on my confidence and professional development. Developing core management skills similar to those taught in the Leader in Adult Care programme, I have learned how to lead a team on the day of a funeral, how to recognise individual strengths, and how to support others effectively. I have also learned how important it is to remain calm when things do not go to plan, as this helps achieve the best possible outcomes for families and colleagues alike.

Communication has become a key strength for me. Completing briefings before and after funerals has helped improve teamwork, encourage reflection, and support continuous improvement. No two days in this role are ever the same, and I still encounter new situations, but the apprenticeship has given me the confidence to trust myself, reach out for support when needed, and approach each challenge positively.

I was incredibly proud to be nominated for and to win Funeral Professional of the Year at both area and regional level within Funeral Partners. This recognition reinforced how far I have come and the positive impact my development has had within the workplace.

The Connect2FuneralServices Difference

My experience with Connect2FuneralServices has been extremely supportive and positive. The regular one-to-one training sessions with my trainer give me the opportunity to reflect, ask questions, and explore real-life situations from my role. Each module builds my understanding and encourages me to think about how I can continue to improve.

I really value the structure of the apprenticeship and the additional learning resources, such as case studies and guidance materials, which allow me to explore topics in greater depth. Regular progress reviews that include my manager have also been incredibly important, helping me recognise my achievements and feel supported throughout my journey. The apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to gain a qualification alongside doing a role that I see as an honour and a privilege. I love coming to work, supporting families, and caring for their loved ones. Being able to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference every day has been incredibly rewarding, and I am proud to be continuing my journey as a funeral director.