Many of the long established firms continue today after the business has been carried on through the generations with no formal training, they have picked up the skills by learning from their fathers and grandfathers.
You can start in the profession by working alongside an experienced and established Funeral Director, gaining an experience of working in the industry by assisting them with arranging or bearing duties before moving up to directing.
There are several organisations, the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), the British Institute of Funeral Directors (BIFD) and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) that provide training and qualifications in the funeral industry and it is useful for all Funeral Directors take part in some form of training.
These programs provide training in areas such as: the stages of grief, grief counselling and funeral ceremonies. In addition to keeping up to date with the legalities and developments within the funeral industry.