Glad to have this forum available.

I have been a licensed funeral director/embalmer for the past 23 years, and I did not come from a "funeral home family". However, I did worked at a local funeral home for two years before going to complete my mortuary science education. I began by mowing the lawns, washing cars, helping aout visiitations, working funerals, assisting in removals (at all hours of the day and night).

As the owner and active funeral director of four funeral homes,(case volume of 375) I can state with first hand knoweldge how valuable work experience is in this profession. Our current apprenctice never set foot in a funeral home in his life ! I lamented for several weeks if I should hire him. Since bringing on staff, I have sworn never, ever to hire someone with no funeral experience. It was not fair to the new hire, our staff, the families we serve nor myself. We have four full time directors on staff along with six part time members.

Experience, Expereince, Experience. Work for free if you need to gain the life sessons of experience and they will not pay you.

Like Joseph I have been around the block a couple of times in this biz. But one thing I see especially with the those coming out of MS is that they think the doors will open wide for them. I talk with a lot of people and have been to some of the MS schools and see what is being produced and wonder How will they ever get hired with purple hair or a face full of piercings?

Experience is no match for what you have just read in a text book or listen to someone lecture on. As Joe said you got to be willing to take out the trash before you can be allowed to put trash in.

Humble is the word that comes to my mind and remember just becasue you have a piece of paper that says you have finished 18 months in class room doesn't make you able to meet with the next family that walks through the door.

Both of your reactions seem to be a bit harsh, considering that the concept of an apprentice is someone who learns a new skill from a master.

Still, it makes sense, in today's competitive market, to know a little about the day-to-day workings of a funeral home before you attempt to get a job as an apprentice.

Having knowledge means you'll have a leg up on the field of other hopefuls.

I offered to work for free at the large fh in my area and the fd in charge of hiring refused to do this. However, he did keep my application and resume in his file, in case anything opens up. I believe the reason, was probably liabilities. If somebody were to get injured on the job, etc. The firm is a very busy one and I feel I could gain a lot of experience, if I can just get my foot in the door.