A newly qualified Funeral Director has shown age is no barrier for progression after becoming the first person in his company to pass an exciting career development scheme.
Jyden Asher, 24, who works with families at Huddersfield Funeral Home, in West Yorkshire, is the first person to pass Funeral Partners’ Funeral Director apprenticeship.
After initially joining as a casual bearer and driver in 2021, Jyden worked his way up to a full-time Funeral Service Operative position and then onto a Trainee Funeral Director.
He was offered the chance to join the apprenticeship which marries on-the-job training with classroom-based learning about the industry.
Jyden said he was happy to be working within his local community, making a difference to the bereaved families during their time of need.
“Sometimes I get a mixed reaction, but usually people end up understanding the positives of having someone younger assisting with a funeral,” he said.
“When I am doing arrangements, people often openly ask me how old I am.
“Generally, people are pleased to see a young person taking on a big responsibility in such a sensitive role. They understand how it can help young adults who are grieving to speak with someone their own age.
“I am of Caribbean descent, and we conduct a lot of funerals for the local Caribbean community. I have found that clients, families and local businesses appreciate having someone they can connect and relate to whilst arranging and directing a funeral for their loved ones.
“It can be a real comfort.
“Initially, my family were shocked when I told them it was something I wanted to pursue but they’ve given me their full backing.
“They have seen me when I am working and understand my passion and dedication that I bring to my job, and are really proud of me, especially with how quickly I’ve progressed.”
Jyden said he would recommend the funeral industry to other young people, and especially working at Funeral Partners.
“I love the job, and you never know who is going to walk through the door, every client and their needs are different,” he said.
“I know my career choice isn’t for everybody, some days are difficult, and you come across a lot of things which can be challenging, mentally and emotionally.
“But if you’ve got the mindset of wanting to help and support people and want to be able to work in a close-knit community, I would definitely recommend it.
“Funeral Partners and the team at Huddersfield have been brilliant with me.
“From coming in with such little experience to now being able to be at the forefront for our families, shows how much faith they have in me.
“My manager, Keith Clegg, has been a huge source of support and I have learnt a lot from him with his professional experience.”
Keith, who is Area Development Manager for Funeral Partners, said: “When I first interviewed Jyden, I could see his potential and had no doubts about giving him the position.
“He is extremely likeable and receives lots of praise and admiration from our clients and colleagues alike.
“He always goes the extra mile to support his clients and is more than willing to step in where needed to ensure a first-class client service.
“I see Jyden’s career path as being very similar to mine; we both started in the industry early, and my manager became my mentor, much the way I want to support him now through his journey with Funeral Partners.”
For more information about careers at Funeral Partners visit https://corporate.funeralpartners.co.uk/
