FAQ's
Frequently asked questions

How do I get into the Funeral Industry?
Many people have strong desire to serve others through work in the Funeral Industry.  It is a very difficult industry to enter – many companies are family businesses with a stable team of mature staff, which means that vacancies arise only very rarely.

If you are trying to obtain employment in the Industry, you should find out the recruitment policies of Companies you would like to join – and follow them.  This may include sending an unsolicited CV, responding to advertisements, or speaking in person with Company Managers.

What training is required to get into the Funeral Industry?
Training is usually provided by Funeral Companies after recruitment of the “right” person.

How do I become an embalmer?
The embalming qualification is SIF40213 Certificate IV in Funeral Services in Vic.  A pre-requisite of the course is that each participant must have:

A fully qualified mentor (Certificate IV in Mortuary Science or equivalent).
The mentor must be currently practicing as an embalmer
The mentor/student must have access to an appropriate mortuary
For best learning outcomes, it is highly recommended that participants be employed in the funeral industry.

How do I arrange work experience within the Funeral Industry?
Due to the sensitivity of issues surrounding death, the desire to professionally care for clients and their loved ones, and privacy and confidentiality concerns, many Funeral Companies to not accept Work Experience Placements.  You should make your own enquiries.

Note that Tobin Brothers Funerals do not accept work experience placements.

I have been a Funeral Director for many years – do I have to start training from the beginning again to achieve a Certificate?
No – The process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises what you have already
learnt from other courses, work experience and training and  life experiences.  It is a
process of comparing demonstrable knowledge, skills and abilities with the performance
criteria for relevant Certificate units.

Further “gap” training can then be provided for any missing skills.