I'd never considered a role in Funeralcare until I saw the level of care that went into a funeral

Kenny Russell, Funeral Director, talks about what attracted him to the funeral industry and why his job is so rewarding.

I always thought being a paramedic would be my dream career as I knew I wanted to help families during crucial moments of their lives. I’d never considered Funeralcare as an option as I didn’t know much about it, but then I found myself supporting my fiancée after she’d lost her Dad. When I saw the level of care and consideration that was put into the funeral, I knew right away this was what I wanted to do.

I started applying for jobs in the industry but was conscious I didn’t have any experience. Fortunately, Co-op prioritise empathy and compassion over qualifications or experience, so they offered me a part-time role as a driver which I accepted right away! 6 months later, a full-time Funeral Director role came up and I decided to go for it. Luckily I got the job, and 15 years later, I can’t imagine doing anything else!

Helping the families in my community at a time of loss is the most fulfilling part of my job. From the moment of getting the first phone call to wrapping up a service and having the family thank us for our support, that is all the satisfaction you need, knowing you’ve made a difference during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

If you have the slightest interest in being able to support families in your community during their time of need, abandon your preconceived notions and see whether a career in Funeralcare is right for you.