Embalmer

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Embalmer. An Embalmer is responsible for preserving a human body after death to forestall decomposition and make it suitable for public-viewing by mourners and prepare it for funeral service, burial or cremations and/or transportation over a long distance. A qualified learner will be able to: • Preserve and reconstruct the human body after death. • Prepare the human body after death to create a peaceful, relaxing and life-like appearance. • Execute legal and administrative functions with regard to the preservation of the deceased.

There is a specific need in the funeral sector to develop an embalmer qualification. Currently, Embalmers are being trained in-house by funeral parlour on an ad-hoc basis, and there is no existing formal or nationally-recognised qualification in South Africa. The funeral industry is a growing industry due to a growing population resulting in more deaths. International research has shown that there is an increased demand for quality care of the deceased, including embalming. In addition, embalming is a requirement if the remains are to be transported internationally and/or if there is an extended time between death and final internment. With the high number of people living and working in South Africa with foreign passports, this will also contribute to increasing demand for qualified embalmers to work in the funeral industry. Representatives of South African industry bodies, including South African Funeral Practitioners Association (SAFPA), National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), National Undertakers Association of South Africa (NUASA), South African Federation of Funeral Assurance Societies (Saffas), Solidarity, Cooperative Funeral Solutions (CFS), National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa (NAFUPA SA), WEFDA and National Association of South African Undertakers (NASAU) expressed a need for the development of an embalmer qualification. They actively participated in the development and associated consultation processes. This qualification will specifically benefit learners with interest in working and establishing a career in the funeral industry. It will also give people who have been doing embalming-work in South Africa without a registered qualification, an opportunity to obtain formal recognition for their skills. Qualifying learners would be able to seek employment in the growing funeral industry at funeral parlours and/or to be self-employed (providing a service to some smaller funeral parlours) and/or to even start their businesses. From the above, it is thus evident that this qualification is important as it provides benefits to both society (providing social services and contribute to personal development in a field where there are currently no qualifications available) and the economy (creating a possibility for learners to obtain an embalming qualification in South Africa and also creating employment opportunities). Furthermore, this qualification forms part of a career path in the funeral industry. It also includes a part-qualification for an Embalmer's Assistant to enable career progression from a Mortician/Undertaker to an Embalmer's Assistant and then an Embalmer. Embalmers may also extend their scope of operation to become Funeral Directors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for Access to the Qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 4 qualification, or three years' assessed experience in the funeral industry.

• Prepare the embalming room and body for open-case embalming.
• Preserve the cavity and organs.
• Preserve and reconstruct the body.
• Prepare the human body after death to create a peaceful, relaxing and life-like appearance for viewing by mourners.
• Comply with legal and administrative requirements with regard to the embalming process.