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Crematorium technician
Hours
30-40 per week
Starting salary
£12,000 + per year
WorkDesc
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.
HoursDesc
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.
IncomeDesc
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.
EntryRequirementsDesc
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.
TrainingAndDevelopmentDesc
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.
SkillsAndKnowledgeDesc
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.
MoreInformationDesc
OpportunitiesDesc
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.
Once you have experience as a crematorium technician you could progress into crematorium management.
Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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