Skip to main content

We're improving Find apprenticeship training. What do you think of this service? (opens in a new tab)


Apprenticeship training course

Embalmer (level 5)

To preserve, sanitise and present a deceased person, ensuring confidentiality, minimising risks to public heath and assisting the bereaved by contributing to a healthy grieving process.

Qualification level
5
Equivalent to higher national diploma (HND).
Typical duration
36 months
Apprenticeship category
Health and science
Maximum funding
£20,000
Maximum amount government will fund
for apprenticeship training.
Skills
Skills an apprentice will learn
  • Carry out pre embalming operational techniques for autopsy or non-autopsy cases in relation to the contextual requirements of the deceased person e.g. adult or child
  • Carry out embalming operational techniques and procedures for autopsy or non-autopsy cases, in relation to the contextual requirements of the deceased person e.g. adult or child
  • Carry out pre embalming of special conditions operational techniques and procedures for autopsy or non-autopsy cases in relation to the contextual requirements of the deceased person e.g. adult or child
  • Carry out post embalming operational techniques and procedures for autopsy or non-autopsy cases, in relation to the contextual requirements of the deceased person e.g. adult or child
  • Apply local standard operating procedures to embalming activities including monitoring and maintaining the safety and hygienic condition of the embalming theatre and equipment
  • Manage and monitor the repair and replacement of damaged equipment in the embalming theatre
  • Ensure the embalming theatre is safe and ready to use
  • Manage, order and monitor stock rotation and control in line with organisational requirements
  • Carry out audit planning and reporting in accordance with scope of practice
  • Ensure that the correct identification of the deceased and recording of personal effects has been carried out in accordance with local standard operating procedures and report any anomalies
  • Undertake the deceased person or their next of kin instructions, following conditions pertaining to religious and cultural requirements, cause of death, infection risk, funeral date and any further information that may impact the embalming process
  • Complete risk assessments on equipment and embalming room environment as per local standard operating procedures
  • Remove from the deceased, safely dispose of or return soiled items according to legislation and local standard operating procedures
  • Adapt workload based on initial assessment of the deceased, business and client requirements, timescales and in collaboration with the wider team
  • Adapt methods and styles of communication to suit the needs of individuals
  • Ensure all legal and organisational paperwork is completed, reporting any risks and discrepancies where appropriate
  • Manage, monitor and carry out cleaning schedule in line with local standard operating procedures, reporting risks and issues, escalating where appropriate
  • Manage the standard of care within the embalming theatre challenging inappropriate behaviour and practice, identifying training needs and reporting where appropriate
  • Role model best practice and actively seek out areas for continuous professional and personal development
  • Use technology safely and securely when using, recording and storing embalming case data and information related to the deceased and clients in line with the General Data Protection Regulation requirements, and standard operating procedures
  • Safe use, mixing and handling of chemicals and disinfectants when completing embalming processes

Full information on Embalmer (level 5) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

Find training providers for this course

Apprenticeship location

sheffield, south yorkshire Remove location

One provider available for this apprenticeship location

View providers for this course

Back to top View shortlist