Apprenticeships - Natalie's story

From retail and funeral services to management and human resources - there are lots of apprenticeship opportunities in our business.

In National Apprenticeship Week 2022, we're sharing stories from just a few of our 100 colleagues who are studying for apprenticeships. Read what Natalie has to say about her experience below.

You can also find out more about what we offer here or check out our latest vacancies on our jobs site.

Natalie Oxley – Funeral Arranger, Proctors Road Funeral Home, Lincoln

When Natalie was at school, she wanted a career in forensic science – but then she undertook a work experience placement at a local funeral directors.

“From that moment, I changed my mind and wanted to work in the funeral industry,” said Natalie. “Seeing the way the staff cared for loved ones and the difference they made at such a difficult time inspired me to want to help families in that way too.”

In March 2020, Natalie found a job as a funeral operative, and later that year she joined Lincolnshire Co-op as a receptionist and funeral arranger at our Proctor’s Road Funeral Home in Lincoln.

Natalie was keen to gain a qualification to help her develop her skills so started the Funeral Team Member (Funeral Arranger) Apprenticeship Level 2.

“I wanted to get the qualification so I can be an even better funeral arranger. I enjoy the apprenticeship because I can learn alongside working – learning as I go and putting the theory into practice,” she said.

Natalie is most proud of achieving a distinction in all her work so far and feels her course will help her continue to do the most important job of all.

“It gives me an in-depth knowledge which enables me to better support families” she said.

Natalie is keen to continue her apprenticeship journey and progress within our funeral team.

“I hope that it’s a gateway to studying the funeral director’s apprenticeship too,” she said. “My five-year plan is to become a fully qualified funeral director.”