Skip to content

Crematorium Technician

Crematorium Technicians take care of people's loved ones once they have passed away, and help carry out all the practical duties involved with cremation.

You will make sure that cremations go smoothly so that bereaved families can say goodbye to their loved ones and mourn their loss. You would complete practical tasks involved in cremations such as cleaning and preparing the chapel before a funeral, operating cremation equipment, appropriately storing the remains, and following the family's wishes regarding what to do with the ashes. This role requires respect and sensitivity as you will be caring for people who have passed away, and their loved ones. 

Role Characteristics

  • Clean and prepare the chapel before the funeral
  • Make sure the cremation equipment works safely
  • Receive coffins and check identities
  • Meet mourners as they arrive and escort them into the chapel
  • Operate the cremation equipment
  • Store the remains and follow the family’s wishes regarding what to do with the ashes

Skills

  • Empathy
  • Customer service
  • Active listening
  • Attention to detail
  • Following instructions
  • Operating equipment

Day in the life

Find out more about the role of a Crematorium Technician.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

  • Volunteering or work experience
  • Apply directly
  • GCSEs

How to become

There are no formal qualifications required to become a Crematorium Technician, however you may wish to complete a college course in health and social care or religious studies to understand the cultural and religious aspects of funeral practices, which could be useful when dealing with families and funeral processes.

You may find it beneficial to have some volunteering or work experience of working respectfully and sensitively with bereaved people. 

You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths, and sciences, or equivalent. 

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

With experience, you could move into Crematorium Management with added responsibility of looking after the funeral home. 

With further training, you could become an Forensic Pathologist, performing autopsies to understand the cause of death.

You could become an Embalmer, preserving and preparing bodies for a burial or cremation. 

Location

  • Community Settings

Working hours

  • Part Time
  • Weekdays
  • Full Time
  • Overtime

Leeds Opportunities

Arial photograph of buildings in Leeds A woman smiling wearing scrubs
BTECs, T-levels or A-levels
Leeds City College Health and Social Care courses
Find BTEC, T-Level or A-Level courses in Health and Care at Leeds City College
Organisation
Leeds City College
View opportunity
BTECs, T-levels or A-levels
Religious Studies at Leeds Sixth Form College
Find out more about studying Religious Studies at the Leeds Sixth Form College
Organisation
Leeds City College
View opportunity
Back To Top