Crematorium Technician
What is the work like?
Crematorium technicians do the practical tasks involved in cremation.
As a crematorium technician your work would include:
- cleaning and preparing the chapel before the service
- making sure the cremation equipment is operating safely
- receiving coffins and carrying out identification checks
- meeting mourners as they arrive and escorting them into the chapel
- making sure that legislation and regulations are followed
- operating cremation equipment
- making sure that cremated remains are identified, stored and disposed of appropriately
- accompanying visitors to existing memorials
- keeping records.
You would also make sure all areas in and around the crematorium are kept clean and well maintained.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any particular qualifications to be a crematorium technician, although you will need reading and writing skills.
It will be useful if you have:
- experience of working with the public
- basic administrative experience
- computer skills.
You will need to be prepared to do any necessary training once you start work.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working in a crematorium, you will receive on-the-job training. Your employer will arrange for you to follow the Crematorium Technicians' Training Scheme (CTTS). The course, which is run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM), is on two levels:
- BTEC Intermediate Certificate for ICCM Technical Operations
- BTEC Advanced Certificate for ICCM Technical Operations.
As you gain experience you may be able to work towards ICCM qualifications for crematorium managers. The qualifications are in three stages:
- ICCM Certificate for Cemetery and/or Crematorium Management
- ICCM Diploma
- ICCM Diploma with Honours
Visit the ICCM website for details of all their courses.
Where can I go for more information?
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Salary rates for crematorium workers are usually based on local authority rates for manual workers.
- Starting salaries are likely to be around £11,000 or £12,000 a year.
- Experienced staff can earn up to £17,000 a year or more.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You will usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but services sometimes also take place on Saturdays.
You will spend most of your time indoors, but may also help with grounds maintenance or supervise cemetery workers, which will mean being out in all weathers.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a tactful, sympathetic and respectful manner
- good communication skills
- good administration and record keeping skills
- attention to detail and the ability to work within set regulations.
What opportunities are there?
Crematoria in Britain are run by local authorities and private companies. You can find vacancies in local newspapers, at Jobcentre Plus and on www.lgjobs.com, the recruitment website for local government.
Once you have experience as a crematorium technician you could progress into crematorium management.
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