Future funeral director hits the books

LESSONS in life and death are being mastered by trainee funeral director Vincent White. The 43-year-old is celebrating after passing his foundation certificate in funeral directing and is studying hard to pass his diploma this spring. The syllabus, run by the National Association of Funeral Directors, teaches the skills of funeral arranging as well as the latest legislation and equips funeral directors with the knowledge to inform and look after bereaved families well.

Vincent, who has been working at Lesley Shand Funeral Service in Corfe Mullen for the past eight years, said:

“A lot of what the diploma teaches reinforces what I’ve already learnt throughout my time here. “But with issues like repatriating the deceased from abroad becoming more commonplace and legislation surrounding funerals constantly changing, this training is both important to my career progression and it is giving me the knowledge to look after bereaved families with confidence.

“I’m learning the cultural variations between different ethnicities and religions and how we can tailor our offering to accommodate everyone. I’m also learning about basic probate and social services so I can help bereaved families access whatever benefits they may be entitled to.”To pass the diploma, trainee funeral directors must have arranged a minimum of 25 funerals, submit numerous essays and will have to pass a written and an oral exam. If he passes the diploma Vincent, whose firm is part of the Dorset Funeral Plan, will be able to add the letters DipFD to his name and will become a licensed funeral director. But the training won’t stop there. All licensed funeral directors attend seminars and lectures to keep up to date with best practice and changing legislation.