If you enjoy working with people and supporting your community then a career in the funeral service profession could be a rewarding opportunity for you. Working in this essential community service is both personally fulfilling and professionally satisfying with ongoing professional development, paid education, and apprenticeship opportunities.

2025/26 Apprenticeship Program

All new apprentice applicants for the 2025/26 Academic Year are encouraged to connect directly with the BCFA Office to determine seat availability. Applications for the 2026/27 Academic Year will begin in Spring 2026. A waitlist will not be held.

**Please note, filling an application is not a guarantee that your student has a seat. Our office will contact you to confirm.**

2026/27 Foundation Program

Each year, the BCFA strives to give prospective students who have not yet gained an Apprenticeship an opportunity to begin their studies in Funeral Services and Embalming through the Foundation Program. The number of seats available in the Foundation Program differs year to year, dependent on the demand for Apprentices and SkilledTradesBC Funding.

Please check this page regularly for updates on next year’s program. The Foundation program application window will occur in June and July for the upcoming academic year. Exact dates are determined on an annual basis.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to network with their local funeral providers as they will be required to find an Apprenticeship to complete year 2 of the program.

**Inquiries outside of the Application time period will not be placed on a waitlist. It is the applicant’s responsibility to check back regularly and apply.**

The BC Funeral Association offers the Foundation Program when space allows. The Foundation program is a gradual entry into funeral service education where students are able to complete their first year of academics prior to finding an apprenticeship position. Beginning with a 3 day orientation in Vancouver in September, foundation students will then work through the course materials alongside the level 1 apprentices online and at home. In January, foundation students will once again join their cohort for in person learning, before starting term 2 of the academics. The program completes with a 5-day in person review and exam session in June. Prior to beginning level 2 of the program, students must find employment as an apprentice. The student will then shift into an apprenticeship, completing level 2 of academics and 2 years of workplace experience. This pathway allows for students to focus on academics for a full year prior to transitioning to full time work and learning.

People enter a funeral service career for many reasons and at various times in their lives. Some know at a very early age that this is their profession of choice, while others come to the decision after careers in other fields. Some reasons you may be drawn to funeral service include:

• You are a caregiver who enjoys serving others
• You believe that ceremony is an effective means of expressing feelings and meeting needs
• You are tolerant of ways in which people of different faiths and cultures express their feelings and practice their beliefs
• You are interested in the technical sciences
• You exhibit sensitivity and compassion
• You are interested in learning all aspects of a business

A career in funeral services allows you to:

• Obtain an education which may be paid for by your employer
• Work while you are attending school and be paid a salary
• Apply your education immediately and develop practical on-the-job skills

If you are considering a move from a different Province or Country, please review the licensing requirements by Consumer Protection BC. It is important to understand the requirements before you make the decision to move.

In BC, Embalmers and Funeral Directors are licensed and regulated by Consumer Protection BC. In order to obtain your license, you must complete the BC Funeral Services Apprenticeship Program.