We are delighted to share the fantastic news that Dan Miller has achieved his Level 4 Diploma in Funeral Directing from the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), the sectors leading education provider.
Dan had this to say about his achievement:
When I first started here at the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group I was gifted something of Trevor Hunnaball’s and as a joke a label was placed on it with Trevor’s full name and all of his qualifications and accreditations, DipFD, MBIE and MBIFD. Seeing this opened my eyes to the education and training available to me to further myself within the industry. I said to myself at the time that I wanted to get my own ‘Letters’ and thus my education journey began.
I initially started by completing a Funeral Service Operative Compliance and Quality Training Course with the NAFD. Then moving on to achieving a distinction grade in the Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration (CertFAA) course before finally starting my Level 4 Diploma in Funeral Directing (DipFD.)
The diploma was a 15 month course consisting of 12 units, each with their own set of course work and essays followed by 2 exams at the end. We attended a series of 12 online learning seminars led by Emily Houghton, DipFD, DipFAA, CertED who is on the board of education for the NAFD. Along with Anne Beckett-Allen, DipFD, MBA, MBIFD who has been training Funeral Directors for decades, including Polly Hunnaball, DipFD. Industry experts were present as guest speakers with specific technical knowledge in their field to help give us well rounded, applicable knowledge that we use in our day-to-day roles.
After completing the 12 units and course work it was jumping into revision for 2 formal exams. A 45-minute professional speaking exam where a series of questions would be asked by an NAFD examiner. Then followed a 3 and a half hour written exam consisting of 25 questions. These were the cause of a lot of stressful, sleepless nights. Bringing my cue cards with me wherever I went, post-it notes up around my house and quizzing Emilia when passing her in the corridors. The stress was all worth it in the end, as I was confident and comfortable during the final exams and could be proud of the work that I produced.
When I received the email to say that I achieved a Merit grade in the Diploma I was over-joyed. The time and energy were all worth it and I couldn’t help but jump up and down in elation and pride. My parents are also incredibly proud and they can’t wait to celebrate with me formally on the 13th of September for the awards ceremony along with all the other students receiving their diplomas.
I finally have my own ‘Letters’ that I set out for, have achieved my goal and I am incredibly proud.
