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The BTEC accredited crematorium technicians training scheme
the BTEC accredited ICCM crematorium technicians training scheme (CTTS)
A member update
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In an unprecedented period which has seen so much change within our working practices, the ICCM have taken similarly unchartered steps to ensure that our members have been and continue to be able to provide their cremation services with fully qualified staff in line with their permitting requirements.
In a move to embrace current technology and provide uninterrupted provision of practical assessments, email and video calls have facilitated the streamlining of the overall CTTS process.
Until such a time that Government restrictions are lifted, we would like to reassure our members that we are, and will continue to be, adopting these processes in order that each candidate is able to complete their qualification without detriment to the syllabus that they must complete as set out by our awarding body, Pearson.
In order for Crematorium Managers and Mentors to understand the current processes, the key changes are:
Upon completion of the candidate's written assessments, these can be emailed to Julie Callender at the National Office, along with the completed, signed Mentor sheets. The work will be marked within 72 hours, and the ICCM practical assessor will be notified. The assessor will contact the designated person at the Crematorium to arrange the practical assessment to take place over video call and at this stage also request: Photographic ID of the candidate to be provided An appropriate phone number for the candidate to be assessed on, and signal strength in the crematory to be tested prior to assessment. The assessment is then completed, and an immediate decision of pass or fail is provided to the candidate and site Manager. Email confirmation is then also provided as authority that the candidate can cremate unsupervised until receipt of their official certificate arrives with the candidate.
In a change to standard assessments, adopting these immediate changes has ensured that all candidates have, on average and limited by site specific service conditions, been assessed and informed of their outcome within a week of submitting their written assignments.
The feedback thus far has been positive from both candidates and their site Managers and Mentors and the ICCM is proud that they have been able to provide this uninterrupted service in the current climate.
We will, as always, endeavour to assist members wherever we can in all forms of training during this current period, therefore if any member has a current training query, please forward these to Julie Callender at the National Office where we will be able to assist with your enquiry.
Member feedback:
‘I found it to be a good way of assessing people for the test in the current pandemic we are facing whilst keeping the assessor and student at a safe distance rather than face to face contact.’
Luke Smith - Bereavement Services Officer Salford City Council
‘I could not have been any happier with how the test day went, I thought the way I was examined was excellent, and I could not of asked for anymore from the ICCM’
