National Apprenticeship week

National Apprenticeship week

This week is National Apprentice Week and our youngest apprentice, Talia Upton, who started working as an apprentice at Rosedale Funeral Home last year, has written about her experience so far:

‘After finding out it was National Apprenticeship Week, It got me thinking about my own experience as an apprentice; what I’ve learnt – what I am still learning!

Why did I choose to do an apprenticeship?

I’d hit a point in my life where I needed to choose what career path I wanted to go down, and as I was only 19 so it was hard to get a job with little experience in the funeral industry – academically speaking I had no relevant qualifications although I had taken part in a ‘Ministry Experience Scheme’ prior. I felt stuck and knew that the funeral profession was something I was wanting to pursue. That’s when I came across an opportunity to partake in an apprenticeship at Rosedale.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is an opportunity to learn the skills needed and also study alongside a full time job. I have found I am able to learn all the skills needed and also demonstrate them in a professional working environment. My apprenticeship is the best way for me to get a direct path to my chosen field. Whilst getting first-hand experience and learning on the job, I am also able to study and gain the qualifications needed.

What do I enjoy most about my apprenticeship?

What I enjoy most about my apprenticeship is the amount of support I have, although there are times when I am able to work independently, I never feel as though I am alone, and I can always go to a colleague for help without feeling like a burden. I feel very welcomed into Rosedale and a member of the team – even if I’m still learning new things every day! I feel that without this apprenticeship I wouldn’t have been able to get onto this path this early in life and achieve what I have so far.

Would I recommend an apprenticeship?

Absolutely! I would highly recommend taking an apprenticeship as the experience you gain is extremely valuable. It has helped me to make a start in the funeral profession at a young age and also gain some qualifications through studying alongside.’

Rhys Askham also joined Rosedale as an apprentice in 2013 and is currently undertaking his qualifications in Funeral Directing having already completed his NAFD qualification in Funeral Arranging and Administration. Once he has completed this he will become one of the youngest qualified Funeral Directors in the country.