Business Administration Apprentice - Bereavement Services

North East Combined Authority; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 12,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

Middlesbrough Council's Bereavement Services team is offering an Apprentice role based at Teesside Crematorium and Middlesbrough Cemeteries. The fixed-term apprenticeship provides hands-on experience in reception, enquiries handling and administrative support for burial, cremation and memorial services.

As the first point of contact for visitors, funeral directors and bereaved families, you will learn to handle enquiries sensitively and professionally, while gaining a recognised qualification

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and customer service are essential.
• Friendly, approachable and professional demeanour.
• Demonstrates compassion and sensitivity when dealing with bereaved families.
• Organised and able to manage a range of tasks effectively.
• Good attention to detail and accuracy.
• Willing to learn and develop new skills.
• Basic IT skills and confidence using Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Provide reception cover and welcome visitors to the service.
• Answer telephone calls and respond to email enquiries.
• Assist families, funeral directors and the public with information and guidance.
• Support the administration of burial, cremation and memorial services.
• Maintain accurate records and update booking systems.
• Assist with preparation and filing of service documentation.
• Support the team with general administrative duties.
• Learn about all aspects of Bereavement Services through on-the-job training and study.

Skills

Excellent communication & customer

Friendly & professional

Compassion & sensitivity

Organised & able to multitask

Attention to detail

Willing to learn

Basic IT skills (MS Office)

Job description

Are you looking to start a career in administration and customer service while making a real difference to people at important moments in their lives? We are seeking a motivated and professional Apprentice to join our Bereavement Services team, fixed term until 1st December 2028.

Bereavement Services Apprentice Middlesbrough Council Teesside Crematorium and Middlesbrough Cemeteries.

This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience within a caring and respected public service, supporting the operation of Teesside Crematorium and Middlesbrough Cemeteries. As the first point of contact for many visitors, funeral directors and bereaved families, you will play an important role in ensuring enquiries are handled sensitively, professionally and efficiently. What you'll be doing Providing reception cover and welcoming visitors to the service. Answering telephone calls and responding to email enquiries. Assisting families, funeral directors and members of the public with information and guidance. Supporting the administration of burial, cremation and memorial services. Maintaining accurate records and updating booking systems. Assisting with the preparation and filing of service documentation. Supporting the team with general administrative duties. Learning about all aspects of Bereavement Services through on-the-job training and study.

What we’re looking for

• Has excellent communication and customer service skills
• Is friendly, approachable and professional
• Can demonstrate compassion and sensitivity when dealing with bereaved families
• Is organised and able to manage a range of tasks
• Has good attention to detail and accuracy
• Is willing to learn and develop new skills
• Has basic IT skills and is confident using Microsoft Office applications

What we can offer you:

This apprenticeship provides a fantastic opportunity to gain a recognised qualification while developing practical skills in administration, customer service and local government services.

You will work alongside an experienced and supportive team, gaining valuable experience in a unique service that supports the local community every day. If you are looking for a role where you can learn, develop and make a positive difference, we'd love to hear from you. Join us and begin your career with Middlesbrough Council's Bereavement Services team.

Please note Middlesbrough Council do not currently offer sponsorships.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.