Funeral Apprenticeship – Level 2 Funeral Team Member | C2C Ltd

Level 2 Funeral Apprenticeship – Funeral Team Member

Why choose our funeral apprenticeship?

When a family is bereaved, they need someone who is kind and considerate to help them with their loved one’s final journey. Our level 2 funeral team member apprenticeship gives candidates the skills to make a good first impression and put clients at ease.

Funeral team members are the first point of contact for a funeral business, so must create a good first impression. You should apply to our funeral apprenticeship if you are warm, friendly, and have the ability to strike up a rapport with people quickly. While this can be a challenging role, it is also very rewarding, and as an apprentice, you’ll learn how to make a positive difference for people when they’re at their most vulnerable.

What you’ll learn during your funeral apprenticeship

As a funeral team member apprentice, you will specialise in one of two roles:

A funeral arranger supports the funeral director by handling the logistics of a funeral. They also and pre-payment plans with families of the deceased, and handle customer enquiries, sales and after care. These tasks may be performed at the business or off site (often in a customer’s home). Administration and payment reconciliation is a key part of this job role. 

A funeral operative plays an active role in assisting the funeral director. They help with cleaning and driving a variety of vehicles, bringing the deceased into care, preparing the deceased and coffins, and supporting client visits. Operatives will participate in an out-of-hours service.

Career opportunities following your funeral apprenticeship

An apprenticeship in the funeral sector presents a wide range of career advancement opportunities. For example, you may choose to take on a level 3 Funeral Director apprenticeship. This qualifies you to manage funerals, support clients, and lead your own funeral team. 

A crematorium or cemetery operative works at the facilities where the deceased are laid to rest. Local authorities or private firms may offer training in these areas once you have completed your level 2 funeral team member apprenticeship. 

Specialist areas within funeral services include repatriation – necessary when someone has passed away abroad and their body needs to be sent back home for their funeral – and ‘green’ funeral specialists – increasingly popular in these more environmentally-conscious times. Both require specialist training, which could become available to you after completion of your funeral team member apprenticeship.

Build core skills for long-term success.

As part of your funeral team apprenticeship, you’ll receive comprehensive sector-specific training. If you’re aged 16 to 18 and haven’t yet met the minimum English and maths requirements, you’ll complete Functional Skills qualifications as part of your programme.

Although learners aged 19+ are not required to pass Functional Skills to complete the apprenticeship, developing strong literacy and numeracy remains crucial. These skills enhance your ability to communicate effectively, communicate with clients, and support your overall progression.

If you don’t already have English and maths qualifications, working toward Level 1 in both can strengthen your foundation for further training and career growth. From August 2025, Level 1 is required for new apprentices, up to the age of 24. Level 2 is required if you already have Level 1. 

Unlock greater earning potential

Completing a funeral team apprenticeship can lead to better job prospects and improved lifetime earnings. Employers value practical experience combined with nationally-recognised training, and successful apprentices often secure roles more quickly and with higher starting salaries than unqualified peers.

Whether you’re new to the sector or looking for more experience, this apprenticeship helps position you for long-term success in a stable, high-demand field.

Entry requirements for a funeral apprenticeship

The entry requirements for the funeral team apprenticeship will be set by the employer that is offering the course. These will be in line with their company policies and standards. It’s best to look around to find an apprenticeship that matches your needs and level of ability before applying. Connect2Care can help you with this. There are some requirements that are standard across the board – for example, a UK driving licence is a requirement for all operatives. 

The apprenticeship will last 12 months, after which, if you are successful, you will receive a ‘pass’ or ‘distinction’ grade. The course delivery is ‘blended’, meaning that you will be expected to complete some classroom-style learning and independent study as well as your hands-on experience. 

How to enrol in our funeral apprenticeship

As an apprentice, you’ll gain a highly-regarded qualification, valuable work experience and get paid while you learn. If you have any more questions, please see our FAQs below. 

Alternatively, you contact us using the form below, or call Connect2Care on 0800 9542 803.

Employers who wish to take on an apprentice can also contact us to find out more about the course, requirements for employers and next steps. 

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Why choose Connect2Care for your apprenticeship?

We raise the standards of training in the funeral sector. At Connect2Care, all of our Vocational Trainers are industry experts who have previously worked in the health and social care sector. This means they’re better equipped to tailor their teaching to support you to overcome any challenges you might face. Learn from the experts and grow in confidence as you expand your skills with Connect2Care.

FAQs – Funeral apprenticeship

1. What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a real job with training. You’ll earn while you learn – gaining hands-on experience at work, plus structured training (in person or online) to build your knowledge.
At the end, you’ll walk away with a nationally recognised qualification and the skills to thrive in your role.

2. Who can do an apprenticeship?

You’re eligible if you:

• are 16 or over
• live in England
• are not in full-time education

The level you start at depends on your qualifications, the role, and the employer’s chosen apprenticeship standard.

3. How much does it cost?

It’s free! Your employer and the government cover the training costs. You might need to budget for extras like travel or equipment, but the core training won’t cost you anything.

4. What will I get paid?

As of April 2025 you’ll earn at least:

• £7.55/hour if you’re under 19 or in your first year (regardless of age)
• National Minimum Wage for your age if you’re over 19 and beyond year one

Many employers pay more than the minimum: the average apprentice pay is around £8.00/hour. Pay can vary by industry, location, and your experience.

5. Do I need English and maths?

If you’re 19 or older, English and maths aren’t a compulsory requirement to finish your apprenticeship. However, they’re still hugely important for progressing in your career – and in life – so it’s wise to keep building those skills.

6. How do I complete an apprenticeship?

You’ll take an End-Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of your programme. It’s your chance to show what you’ve learned – your knowledge, skills, and behaviours. Most apprenticeships are graded pass, merit, or distinction.

7. What if I have dyslexia or other learning needs?

Support is available – just speak up early. Your employer or training provider must make reasonable adjustments to help you succeed.

8. Do I have to do a Level 2 before a Level 3 apprenticeship?

Not always. Some Level 3 apprenticeships require a Level 2 qualification or equivalent experience – but many don’t. Check the entry requirements of the programme you’re interested in to see what’s needed.