From football to funerals: Entering the industry at a young age

Scotmid Funerals at Forrester Park, Edinburgh, recently appointed Bruce Lamb (19) as its youngest-ever funeral operative. Although initially hesitant about a career in funeral care, Lamb began an unconventional journey into the funeral industry following in his father’s footsteps. Prior to joining Scotmid Funerals, he pursued a football scholarship in Virginia, USA, which unfortunately didn’t work out. Lamb says: “Upon my return, I worked with my Dad, before finding my place at Scotmid. I wasn’t particularly drawn to this career path, but I have been to a few family funerals. When I was younger, I was transfixed when a large cortege appeared on the road as it creates a unique atmosphere as soon as they appear. “One particular incident that stuck with me was when I was a part of a funeral procession for a young motorcycle rider, where his friends on motorbikes followed. It reinforced my understanding that people honour their loved ones’ lives in diverse and meaningful ways. When my Dad joined the funeral industry, I had so many questions! I really wanted to understand what he actually did and what his days included. So, when the opportunity to join Scotmid at Forrester Park I jumped at the chance and I am glad that I did.” Following his appointment, Lamb received an eight-week training in all aspects of the funeral operative role including ceremonial driving and the processes involved in bringing the deceased into the care of the funeral home. “I learn something new everyday, especially from my colleagues,” Lamb says. He adds what also drew him to the industry is that “no two days are alike in this industry, with each funeral being unique.” His routine typically involves preparing funerals, including cleaning his vehicle, conducting pre-funeral checks, ceremonial driving, maintaining the workspace, preparing coffins and ensuring the deceased are respectfully taken into their care. He also adds: “Impartiality, open-mindedness, the ability to accept and implement feedback, attention to detail, and the capacity to respond to situations in line with the wishes of the client / family are personal qualities that are essential for excelling in this profession.” Lamb also stated that the biggest misconception people have about this profession is that funeral workers must be “a little strange” to do the job, “which is so far from the truth”. He explains: “There is compassion and humour within the industry, with each having their time and place. I have been struck at the sense of satisfaction I get when assisting a family to give a loved one a fitting funeral and farewell.” It is rare to see such a young person enter the funeral industry, but Lamb says that he has found his strengths being the youngest. He says, “Being younger, I’ve found strengths in my familiarity with technology and physical fitness, both of which are beneficial in my role.” He also stated that the only challenge he encountered was his apprehensiveness about working with the deceased. However, he says, “Shifting my mindset to see it as a privilege to care for someone’s loved one helped me approach the task with greater empathy and respect”. Lamb believes that there's no magic phrase to ease grief, and as a result he always ensures he’s available to answer questions of grieving families or direct them to a colleague who can assist. He also understands that providing support and comfort to these families is a delicate task and therefore focuses on fulfilling their specific wishes. “Being involved in bringing the deceased into our care and driving during the funeral process gives me a deep sense of accomplishment and solace,” he notes. Lamb is also looking forward to growing in this industry and aims to move into conducting and leading funerals. “I’m actively observing and learning from the experienced funeral directors, while also relishing my current role as a funeral operative. Everyone at Scotmid has been great in helping me become the best I can be in my post, which is always good when you are the new recruit. It is unusual for someone my age to join the industry, but Scotmid has broken the mould. Working as a team is everything - we trust each other to play their part, step in to assist when needed and support each other through emotionally challenging times.” For youth making career decisions, Lamb says: “Be open to new opportunities, even if they don’t initially align with your envisioned career path. You might find a role that truly resonates with you. I think the main reason is that the industry has not targeted younger people and schools do not promote the industry as a potential career. I would and have recommended the job to a few of my friends, and would heartily continue to encourage any younger person to go for it.”