You could work towards this role by doing an intermediate apprenticeship for horticulture and landscape operatives.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Cemetery worker
Alternative titles for this job include Gravedigger
Cemetery workers prepare and maintain graves and memorial sites.
Average salary (a year)
£11,000 Starter
to£25,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
41 to 43 a week
You could work
weekends
How to become a cemetery worker
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
Direct application
You can apply directly for a job as a cemetery worker, if you've got some of the relevant skills needed for this role.
You don't need any particular qualifications, although some employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English.
You'll need to be able to deal sensitively with bereaved people. It can also be useful if you have experience in landscaping, gardening or use of a mechanical mini digger
Once you're working, your employer will arrange for you to follow the Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme.
More information
Further information
You can find more details about working and training in cemetery work through the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You may need a driving licence.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- measuring and marking out grave spaces
- using a mechanical excavator and hand tools to dig and prepare graves
- keeping graves tidy
- checking headstones for damage and removing those that are unsafe
- maintaining lawns, verges and plants around the cemetery
- working with other funeral and cemetery staff
Working environment
You could work at a cemetery.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically demanding.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress to being a supervisor. If your job involves clerical duties, you could train for progression into cemetery administration.
Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Apprentice Groundskeeper
- Wage : £124.80 Weekly
- Location: Louth LN11 8QS
Paxton House - Level 2 Horticulture Apprenticeship Standard
- Wage : £117.00 Weekly
- Location: Berwick-Upon-Tweed TD15 1SZ
Courses In England
Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture - Leap to Horticulture
- Provider: Cambridge Regional College
- Start date: 05 September 2019
- Location: Cambridge
Horticulture Skills
- Provider: Bedfordshire & Luton Education Business Partnership
- Start date: 01 September 2019
- Location: Dunstable
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