Crematorium technician Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

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.

Hours

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 weather conditions.

Income

Salary rates for crematorium technicians are usually based on local authority rates for manual workers.

• Starting salaries can be around £12,000 a year.
• Experienced staff can earn £17,000 a year or more.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

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
• basic computer skills.

You will need to be prepared to do any necessary training once you start work.

Training and development

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.

Skills and knowledge

• 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.

More information

LG Jobs
www.lgcareers.com

Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM)
www.iccm-uk.com

Opportunities

Crematoria in Britain are run by local councils and private companies. Look out for vacancies in local newspapers, at Jobcentre Plus offices and on the LGjobs website.

• LGjobs

Once you have experience as a crematorium technician you could progress into crematorium management.