Apprentice Funeral Service Operative in Hampshire

We're looking for a compassionate and reliable individual to join our team at Aldershot & Bracknell Funeral Services as an Apprentice Funeral Service Operative. This role offers the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification while supporting families during one of life's most sensitive moments, playing a key part in delivering respectful and meaningful services that genuinely make a difference.

Why This Role Matters

At Dignity, we believe that every farewell should be handled with compassion, dignity, and care. Your role will ensure that families feel supported, respected, and reassured throughout the entire way.

Apprenticeship Details

• Level 2 apprenticeship associated with the role.
• Full training and support provided by Connect2Care and is delivered remotely.
• Adequate time will be provided to the successful candidate for them to complete the apprenticeship during their working hours.
• No prior experience is required, just the right attitude, values, and commitment to learning.

Your Impact and Responsibilities

Being an Apprentice Funeral Service Operative means playing a central part in one of life's most significant moments. You're often the first person a grieving family meets, and your presence can shape how they remember the most difficult of days. You are entrusted with the care of the deceased and with ensuring families' wishes are met. You conduct yourself with respect and dignity, understanding the privilege it is to undertake this work.

As an Apprentice Funeral Service Operative, you will learn to:

• Provide dignified and professional care for the deceased.
• Support Funeral Directors in delivering seamless service and ceremonial work.
• Drive and operate specialist vehicles (including hearses, limousines and private ambulances).
• Maintain high standards of presentation for vehicles and facilities, and ensure they are well-maintained.
• Participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota (including nights/weekends) to support families, providing out-of-hours support, including dignified collection and transfer of the deceased into care.
• Bring the deceased into our care from the place of death, including private homes, hospitals, hospices, or public spaces, under varying circumstances.
• Prepare the deceased (washing, dressing, presentation) in accordance with family, religious, or cultural wishes.
• Support with chapel visits and interactions with families in a calm and respectful manner.
• Carry out all duties involving the deceased with the utmost care and professionalism.

Skills and Knowledge

We're looking for someone who:

• Holds a Full UK Driving Licence (Essential).
• Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and composure under pressure.
• Has a respectful, caring approach when supporting both colleagues and families.
• Is physically capable of manual handling tasks, including lifting and carrying.
• Is comfortable working in direct contact with the deceased in a variety of conditions.
• Is reliable, flexible, and able to work outside standard hours when needed.
• Takes pride in presenting themselves in a professional and dignified manner.

What you can expect from us

• Professional development - A comprehensive induction and the opportunity to gain a recognised Level 2 qualification alongside hands-on experience.
• Time to recharge - Up to 25 days' annual leave (increasing with service) plus bank holidays, giving you the time you need to rest and reset.
• A little extra reward - Opportunity to earn a yearly bonus of up to £300-£500 in recognition of your contribution.
• Planning for your future - 4% matched pension to help you build long-term financial security.
• Peace of mind - Life assurance cover at 2x your salary to support your loved ones.
• Everyday savings and perks - Access to MyStaffShop, our employee rewards platform, offering savings across high street and online retailers, alongside eyecare support, flu jab reimbursement and lifestyle discounts.
• Support when you need it - Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, occupational health services and confidential counselling.
• Learn and grow with us - Ongoing training and development, including internal learning pathways and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Making work easier - Free on-site parking available at most of our locations.

What are the next steps?

To join us in this role, hit the 'apply' button to submit your application, and a member of our Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch!

Why Dignity

Dignity exists to help every family in Britain navigate the hardest moments of life with simplicity, dignity, kindness and exceptional care. Wherever you join us, whether that's in one of our funeral homes, at a CMG site, or in one of our head office teams, your apprenticeship is part of that purpose from day one.

An apprenticeship with Dignity means real, hands-on experience alongside structured learning. You'll work towards a recognised qualification while building genuine skills on the job, supported by colleagues who'll take the time to teach you properly.

If you're looking for a supportive place to learn, develop your skills, and build the foundations of a career, with people who'll invest in you, this is a good place to start.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We know that diverse teams make better decisions, build better products, and create a more inclusive and better place to work. Whoever you are, wherever you're from, and whatever your life looks like, we'd love to hear from you. And if there's anything you need to make the process more accessible, please let us know.