Position: Apprentice Funeral Service Specialist
Location: F.W Jones & Sons Funeral Director, Chippenham
Job Type: 38.33 Hours per week
Salary: £25,333.06 per annum
We’re looking for an empathetic and well‑organised individual to join our team at F.W Jones & Sons as an Apprentice Funeral Service Specialist. This role offers the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification while being the first point of contact for families, offering reassurance, guidance, and professional support at one of the most important moments in their lives.
Based at our Chippenham branch, you’ll take pride in the day‑to‑day running of the funeral home, supporting families, maintaining high standards, and building trusted relationships within the local community. You will also be trained to provide guidance on Funeral Plans and support with ceremonial duties when required.
Why This Role Matters
Being a Funeral Service Specialist means playing a central part in one of life’s most significant moments. You’re often the first person a grieving family turns to, and your presence can shape how they remember the most difficult of days.
Apprenticeship Details
- Level 2 apprenticeship associated with the role
- Full training and support provided by Connect2Care and delivered remotely
- Adequate time will be provided to the successful candidate to complete the apprenticeship during working hours
Your Impact And Responsibilities
This role calls for empathy, confidence, and attention to detail. It’s about guiding people through funeral arrangements with care, introducing them to the support we can offer, and ensuring every detail is taken care of.
- Support families with empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail
- Arrange funerals that meet family wishes, cultural practices, and legal requirements, offering all relevant products
- Oversee day‑to‑day branch operations, including administration and presentation
- Liaise with suppliers such as ministers, celebrants, and florists
- Lead chapel visits as required, supporting the families with their requests
- Take accountability for raising awareness of funeral plans and contributing to plan sales within the branch
- Represent the branch in the local community and contribute to outreach
- Train in Funeral Conducting to assist with ceremonial duties during peak times
- Uphold Dignity’s standards of professionalism, care, and service
Skills And Knowledge
- Compassion, calmness, and empathy in emotionally sensitive situations
- Experience in customer service, care, or admin (beneficial – complete training is provided)
- Communication, organisation, and administrative skills – confident with legal paperwork
- Confident working independently, with branch‑level responsibility
- Comfortable in settings where the deceased may be resting, including chapel visits
- Willingness to work flexibly (including weekends/on‑call if needed)
- A full UK driving licence (desirable, not essential) – ability to travel to client homes and local branches is important
What You Can Expect From Us
- Up to 25 days’ annual leave (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
- Opportunity to earn a yearly bonus of up to £300-£500
- 4% matched pension
- Life assurance cover at 2× your salary
- Access to MyStaffShop, employee rewards platform offering savings across high street and online retailers, eyecare support, flu jab reimbursement and lifestyle discounts
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, occupational health services and confidential counselling
- Ongoing training and development, including internal learning pathways and apprenticeship opportunities
- Free on‑site parking available at most of our locations
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.
FCA Statement
Dignity is part of a group that includes FCA-regulated activities, and some roles may be subject to relevant training, screening, conduct, and regulatory requirements. This will be confirmed as part of the recruitment process.
Apprentice Funeral Service Specialist in Chippenham employer: Dignity Group
At Dignity, we pride ourselves on being a values-led organisation that prioritises employee growth and well-being. As a Director of Property Services, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our national infrastructure strategy while enjoying a competitive salary, extensive benefits including a £6,000 car allowance, and the flexibility of hybrid working. Join us in making a meaningful impact in a supportive work culture that values compassion and professionalism.
