Ex-officer lands oldest ‘apprentice’ record for funeral job — at age of 67

Former police officers are proving ideal candidates for resurrecting second careers in the funeral business — with one boasting the title of ‘oldest apprentice’ in the UK.

Ex-Kent Police detective sergeant Robert Brown has been hired as the 1,500th probationer by Co-op Funeralcare at its Canterbury parlour — at the age of 67.

He is part of a growing band of pensioners enjoying job satisfaction in later years, according to a recent survey, while others are being forced back into the world of employment after their retirement plans have been hit by more than seven years of rock-bottom interest rates.

But the Co-op sees ex-police officers as a perfect skill fit for the job of funeral arranger and pall bearer.

A Co-op spokesperson told Police Professional, while much of the practical nature of funeral care can be learned on the job, ‘compassion’ is vital for successful interaction with relatives of the deceased.

“Police officers will have that within their day-to-day role of supporting families,” added the spokesperson. “We are not saying all possess this — but in Richard, it is certainly the case.”

Joining the funeral business “has never been about age, but down to individuals and their skills’ set,” the spokesperson went on.

Mr Brown is the oldest apprentice to be hired since 2013 when Co-Op Funeralcare launched its apprentice scheme, which has attracted the likes of fire officers, ex-paramedics and car salesmen as well as school leavers into its employment ranks.

He said: “After a 30-year stint with the police, I did wonder how I would find working in funerals, but I love it. I only wish I`d done it sooner.”

Co-op Funeralcare managing director Richard Lancaster added: “Providing they possess compassion, empathy, excellent service and organisational skills, we can teach everything else on the job.”