ONE of the youngest funeral arrangers in the country, teenager Orlando Levy, who works in the Minehead premises of Robson and Stephens, has been named as national funeral care apprentice of the year.

Orlando, aged 19, who lives in Bridgwater, entered the funeral care profession because of his personal experience of losing his father when he was just 15 years old and witnessing the compassionate service provided by Robson and Stephens Funeral Services.

He felt a calling to provide solace and guidance to others facing similar challenges and started as an apprentice with the company, which also has offices in Williton and Bridgwater.

Now, two years since he started in the profession, Orlando has been announced as the Connect2Care (C2C) Funeral Care Apprentice of the Year 2024.

Orlando Levy, of Robson and Stephens Funeral Services, Minehead, receives his funeral care apprentice of the year award.
Orlando Levy, of Robson and Stephens Funeral Services, Minehead, receives his funeral care apprentice of the year award from C2C area manager Esther Bulmer. PHOTO: Robson and Stephens. ( )

He has been mentored by business co-owner Mark Robson and has had to balance full-time work with rigorous coursework and examinations.

Mr Robson said: “Orlando’s profound empathy and steadfast commitment to serving families with dignity and respect have earned him admiration within the industry and among his colleagues.

“His apprenticeship journey has been marked by significant personal and professional growth.

“Through his training, he has honed his skills in emotional support, communication, and organisation, equipping him to navigate the complexities of arranging and directing funerals with precision and care.

“His ability to seamlessly integrate personal touches, such as roses on coffins and meaningful music selections, reflects his keen attention to detail and unwavering commitment to honouring the memories of the departed.”

Now, Orlando has started on his funeral director apprenticeship as he works toward becoming a fully-qualified funeral director.

Mr Robson said: “His story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring professionals in the funeral care industry.

“His unwavering dedication, coupled with his profound empathy and commitment to excellence, reaffirms the vital role that compassionate and skilled professionals play in supporting individuals and families during their darkest hours.”

Orlando said much of his success was down to the invaluable support and guidance provided by both C2C and Robson and Stephens Funeral Directors.

He said their unwavering commitment to his development had empowered him to embrace new challenges and push the boundaries of his capabilities.

Orlando said: “The apprenticeship boosted my confidence in my abilities to such an extent it allowed me to arrange and conduct funerals on my own.

“While being discreet, sensitive, and empathetic comes naturally to me, I have discovered new ways of being highly organised and delivering great customer service.

“Precision is key because you only have one chance to get a ceremony right.

“By completing my funeral arranger apprenticeship, I am better able to provide clients with the most effective emotional support along with the best guidance through the process of arranging a loved one’s funeral.”

Robson and Stephens, which has more than 30 years experience of funeral services, is run by Mr Robson with Gary Stephens and Marie Howe.

Connect2Care delivers award-winning vocational training across the country in the adult care, healthcare, early years, and funeral services sectors.