Butler (IWI certified)

To be a butler means taking on the responsibility for a wide range of duties, to coordinate and control many activities. A butler is a waiter, personal assistant, translator, chauffeur, bodyguard, housekeeper, gardener and is at all times sworn to absolute discretion. Professionalism is one of the most important personal characteristics, and the butler must be able to remain true to style.

This career is currently experiencing a remarkable renaissance world wide. In a luxury suite in the top 100 hotels in the world, guests expect the butler to be included, and in most five-star hotels a butler can be provided on request. In extremely wealthy families and among the aristocracy, the butler is part of the family, serving as an adviser and consultant, friend and helper. Those who accept the challenge presented by the butler's career, and are able to serve 24 hours a day, will experience a very special lifestyle, at high rates of pay.

Modules 1 and 2 “Style and etiquette, and a dedication to discretion“

Knowing how to handle different types of people, and behaving stylishly are important prerequisites for a successful butler. The butler must be correctly dressed, and his clothes must be well maintained, he must have a secure hand in selecting combinations of colours and materials, this comprehensive module generally covers everything related to physical appearance. Additional contents include intercultural competence, how to behave correctly with one's employers and their guests, the rules of etiquette, and the high value placed on discretion.

Modules 3, 4, 5, and 6: „Service, beverages and food“

A perfect butler has mastered all the rules of service, knows how to handle non-alcoholic beverages, wine, noble spirits and cigars correctly. The butler can competently recommend the correct wine to go with a menu, and knows the correct serving temperature of all wines. The training module also covers items such as purchasing, correct storage with a view to legal requirements, as well as the preparation of snacks and cold starters. The chapter on materials knowledge includes a presentation of exclusive foods, and the butler is taught how to prepare these. This module has a very high practical content, and consists of many individual exercises and practical training.

Modules 7, 8, 9 and 10 „Management and personal security“

New media and communications, software programmes and handheld devices today have largely replaced the white gloves. Today's butler is an organiser and manager, with a strong talent for improvising. He knows how to lead and manage other staff, how to organise events, how to organise the housekeeping, and naturally to take care of the security of persons entrusted to his care.