NewsApprenticeships - Natalie's story
Natalie Oxley – Funeral Arranger at Proctors Road Funeral Home,
Lincoln
From retail and funeral services to management and human resources - there
are lots of apprenticeship opportunities in our business.
When Natalie was at school, she wanted a career in forensic science – but
then she undertook a work experience placement at a local funeral
directors.
“From that moment, I changed my mind and wanted to work in the funeral
industry,” said Natalie. “Seeing the way the staff cared for loved ones and
the difference they made at such a difficult time inspired me to want to
help families in that way too.”
In March 2020, Natalie found a job as a funeral operative, and later that
year she joined Lincolnshire Co-op as a receptionist and funeral arranger
at our
Proctor’s Road Funeral Home in Lincoln.
Natalie was keen to gain a qualification to help her develop her skills so
started the Funeral Team Member (Funeral Arranger) Apprenticeship Level 2.
“I wanted to get the qualification so I can be an even better funeral
arranger. I enjoy the apprenticeship because I can learn alongside working
– learning as I go and putting the theory into practice,” she said.
Natalie is most proud of achieving a distinction in all her work so far and
feels her course will help her continue to do the most important job of
all.
“It gives me an in-depth knowledge which enables me to better support
families” she said.
Natalie is keen to continue her apprenticeship journey and progress within
our funeral team.
“I hope that it’s a gateway to studying the funeral director’s
apprenticeship too,” she said. “My five-year plan is to become a fully
qualified funeral director.”