Bruce encourages young people to embrace unexpected career paths
Bruce Lamb (19) has joined the funeral industry and is encouraging other young people to keep an open mind when considering their career choices.
Broxburn-based Bruce works alongside his father at Scotmid Funerals in Forrester Park, where his role includes preparing coffins, ceremonial driving and speaking with recently bereaved family members. No two days are the same for Bruce, something he has described as “one of the best parts of the job”.
After finishing school, Bruce pursued a football scholarship in Virginia, USA but, when that did not work out, he returned home to reconsider his options and choose another path.
As a young boy, Bruce was fascinated by his father’s job. He learned a lot about grief and the whole funeral experience from him, including how to approach the first conversation, managing the service arrangements and aftercare, and how this process helps the bereaved.
When the opportunity to join Scotmid Funerals at Forrester Park came, he jumped at the chance and is so pleased he did.
When asked what people’s reaction is to his job, Bruce answered: “Most people are taken aback to start with and quickly fire a lot of questions at me about the job. When I explain how much I enjoy my work, I receive a positive reaction.”
“I agree that it is unusual for someone my age, but Scotmid has broken the mould. I don’t mind being the youngest because l can learn so much from experienced operatives. Everyone at Scotmid has been great in helping me to be the best I can be in my post.”
Since starting his new role, Bruce has grown a strong satisfaction from his work. He said: “The best part of the job is receiving compliments or a thank you card from a bereaved persons’ relative or loved one.
“This is by far the most welcome reward in doing the job and I’m honoured to play a small role in helping others during their time of need. It’s a long way from what I originally planned to do with my life, but I can’t imagine being anywhere else now.
“I think the biggest misconception is that all funeral workers must be sad (or a little strange?!) to do the job, which is so far from the truth. There is compassion and humour within the industry, with each having their time and place.”
Bruce is now aiming to tackle this common misconception about the funeral industry and is encouraging other young people to keep an open mind when it comes to their career choices.
He continued: “I think the industry is often overlooked because schools do not promote it as a potential career. I would and have recommended the job to a few of my friends and would heartily encourage any younger person to go for it.
“I wanted to be a footballer, but I have joined the funeral industry instead. I may be going against ‘the norm’, which I think is great as it changes the definition of the role.”
Outside of work, Bruce enjoys an active lifestyle – playing for his local football team, Pumpherston u20s, and playing golf when he has free time. Sports, as well as his Xbox, gives him time to unwind after work and spend time with friends.
James Blackburn, Head of Scotmid Funerals, said: “It’s great to see the younger generations coming into the funeral care industry and taking such pride in their work for people in their time of grief.
“Bruce is a great example of embracing the fact that there is no wrong career path and I hope other young people consider funeral care as a personally and professionally rewarding career choice.”