Funeral rising stars speak about building a career in the sector

Two rising stars at Ward and Brewin Funeral Service have spoken about what it is like for young people to forge a career in the funeral industry. Funeral administrators Sophie Dyke, 22, and Hayley Johnson, 24, work as part of an all-female team and are great examples of a rising trend in youngsters turning to the funeral business in search of a job that allows them to make a real difference. Sophie, from Swadlincote, revealed that working in a funeral home was something that she has always wanted to do. She said: “It was an industry that has always interested me from when I was young and I knew it was something that I wanted to pursue. I have been with Central England Co-op for just over a year now and I knew after only a few days that this was the job for me. This is because I want to be able to help people pay their final respects to their loved ones and to ensure that it is always perfect. She added: “It is a hard job at times, and not something that everyone can do, but for those who want to help people in their time in need there is nothing better in my view. I hope to eventually to use all of my experiences to work my way up to become a funeral director.” Hayley, who lives in Tutbury, decided to join the funeral industry after seeing everything that went into the planning of a funeral following the passing of close family members. She said: “I sadly lost five close members of my family in just four years and this was what pushed me towards wanting to have a career helping others who have lost a loved one. My mother works for JH Grice, in Hatton, and after watching her help organise some of the funerals, I wanted to know more and help others who have to go through the same thing. I already worked at the Central England Co-op food store in Barton under Needwood and when a job came up I jumped at the chance. “I have worked at Ward and Brewin for three years now and the whole reason I do my job is to give something back to people in need after losing a loved one. If I can help just a little bit – whether it be offering a shoulder to cry on or being someone to talk to – then I have made a difference and that makes me happy." Both Sophie and Hayley are supported in their roles by funeral director Samantha Platt.

Funeral rising stars speak about building a career in the sector

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