Crematorium technicians do the practical tasks involved in cremation. Their work includes:

• cleaning and preparing the chapel before the service
• ensuring the cremation equipment is operating safely
• receiving coffins and carrying out identification checks  
• meeting mourners as they arrive and escorting them into the chapel
• making sure that legislation and regulations are followed
• operating cremation equipment 
• ensuring that cremated remains are identified, stored and disposed of appropriately
• accompanying visitors to existing memorials
• making sure all areas in and around the crematorium are kept clean and well maintained
• keeping records.

Hours and Environment

You will usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but services sometimes also take place on Saturdays.

You will spend most of your time indoors, but may also help with grounds maintenance or supervise cemetery workers, which will mean being out in all weathers.

Skills and Interests

As a crematorium technician you will need:

• the ability to deal with grieving people with tact, sympathy and respect
• good communication skills for working with ministers, mourners, funeral directors and council officials
• good administration and record keeping skills
• the ability to pay attention to detail and work within set regulations.

Entry

You do not need any particular qualifications to be a crematorium technician, although you will need reading and writing skills.

It will be useful if you have:

• experience of working with the public
• basic administrative experience
• computer skills.

You will need to be prepared to do any necessary training once you start work.

Training

Once you are working in a crematorium you will receive on-the-job training. Your employer will arrange for you to follow the Crematorium Technicians' Training Scheme (CTTS). The course - which is run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) - is on two level:

• BTEC Intermediate Certificate for ICCM Technical Operations
• BTEC Advanced Certificate for ICCM Technical Operations.

As you gain experience you can work towards ICCM qualifications for crematorium managers. The qualifications are in three stages:

• ICCM Certificate for Cemetery and/or Crematorium Management
• ICCM Diploma
• ICCM Diploma with Honours

Visit the the ICCM website for details of all their courses - there is a link in Further Information below.

Opportunities

Crematoria in Britain are run by local authorities and private companies. Vacancies are advertised in the local press, in jobcentres, in the bulletins issued by local councils and on www.lgjobs.com – the recruitment website for local government.

Once you have experience as a crematorium technician you could progress into crematorium management.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. Salary rates for crematorium workers are usually based on local authority rates for manual workers.

New entrants likely to start at around £10,000 to around £12,000 a year.
Experienced cemetery workers may earn up to around £17,000 a year, although senior staff may earn more.

Further information