Young generation discovers the profession of undertaker: meaning and opportunities!

Young generation discovers the profession of undertaker: meaning and opportunities!

More and more young people are considering being a mortician as a career. According to the Federal Association of German Funeral Directors, there are increasing requests for internships and interest in training, which underline the trend towards becoming a funeral specialist. Around 1,000 people are currently undergoing three-year training in this responsible profession, which has changed significantly in recent years and requires a high level of empathy and organizational talent.

But what exactly attracts young people to this frugal yet important profession? Apparently, the generations since 1980 have a strong need for meaningful work, which is also reflected in the training statistics: in 2023, 57% of trainees were female, while the rate in 2022 was 59%. This shows that the profession of funeral specialist is being pursued by more and more young people across gender boundaries.

Variety of tasks

The tasks of an undertaker are diverse and extend far beyond traditional understanding. In addition to advising and supporting relatives who need support in selecting coffins, urns and funeral ceremonies, organizational activities are also essential, for example during burials and transfers of the deceased. There are also technical tasks such as the hygienic care of the deceased as well as legal and administrative processes, which understandably require a lot of sensitivity.

From a legal advisory point of view, the funeral specialist is a recognized training profession. Difficulties in dealing with cultural and religious peculiarities require a high degree of sensitivity from trainees. Keeping up with the times, the prospective angel helpers also have to be familiar with digital inheritance, which has become a central part of the tasks these days.

The challenge of training

The training to become a funeral specialist lasts three years and takes place in the dual system. The combined practical content in the company and theoretical subjects in the vocational school include topics such as grief psychology, funeral law and cultural customs. Consent tests are required and the evaluation of one's own performance is also part of the training.

Training allowances vary between the public sector and the funeral industry. In the public sector, remuneration can range between 1,218 euros in the first year and up to 1,314 euros in the third year. In the private sector, however, salaries are often lower but still offer prospects: after training, the salary usually starts at around 2,600 euros, but increases to 4,000 euros through further training.

A job with responsibility

The diversity and responsibility of everyday life as a funeral professional require psychological stability and empathy. Stress resistance is just as important, as dealing with those who are grieving should always be handled sensitively. Not only technical knowledge but also emotional intelligence is required so that relatives are optimally supported in difficult times.

With the increasing interest in the funeral profession, the modern perspective on the topic of death in society has also grown. The desire for a dignified funeral and the need for professional support are very popular. Anyone who has a good knack for organization and shows an interest in a diverse, human activity will find a future-oriented career in the funeral industry that is more than just a job. A profession that takes life, even if sometimes indirectly, in all its facets and looks at it in a new, respectful way.

For further information on this exciting professional field, we recommend taking a look at the comprehensive details on training training.de and bildungsstellen.de, as well as the current statistics and developments domradio.de provides.