Butlers are highly sought after by many families due to their knowledge and skills. Learning how to be a butler requires a lot of dedication and skill. Butlers are usually male. Becoming a butler is a great career choice. So what do you learn at butler school? Continue reading to find out.
Qualities of a Butler
In history, the butler used to be a servant that serves alcoholic beverages. The modern butler has evolved and is now more complex. You must always be professional. It is essential to be able to read signals and non-verbal communication. Being well-presented at all times is a must. Having an eye for detail, problem-solving skills, and a passion for caring is just a few qualities you require.
What do Butlers do?
So what do butlers actually do on a daily basis? Butlers work directly for the principal, making sure their life runs smoothly. They are companions and personal assistants at the same time. Butlers will help with anything from business duties to personal duties like answering phone calls and emails to event planning and staff management. They will also serve their principal with drinks and food when required. You would be required to be a personal chauffeur and drive the principal and sometimes the family to various events. Normally a car would be provided for you to use.
Types of Butlers
There are many types of butlers. Below you will find a list with just a few available types.
- Traditional Butler – This butler is often called the ‘Invisible Butler’. They are very formal, wear the traditional butler suit, blend in the background and will be the first person to greet guests into the home.
- Modern Butler – They are household managers and can take on many different roles as required. They are excellent event planners and will make sure everything is executed to a high standard.
- Female Butler – They are versatile and will often act as a companion to a female principal. They will have knowledge of fashion and help their principal with shopping, advising on style and trends.
- English Butler – This type of butler will speak the Queen’s English and will focus on British traditions. They will have knowledge of British etiquette, English culture and history.
What do you learn at Butler School?
There are two ways you can learn to become a butler. You can do butler training from the comfort of your own home or in person with a trainer. These are a few subjects you can find in butler training:
- Greeting guests – How to greet guests on a daily basis and at events.
- Business management – You will learn all about how to act and be presentable in business and social settings.
- Staff management – All about the different types of staff you would be managing and how to do it properly
- Table management – Includes table setting and serving skills.
- Valeting duties – Learn about formal wear, purchasing and caring for bespoke clothing and helping with travel outfits. Fabric care and fabric knowledge are other subjects in the course.
- Telephone etiquette – You are learning how to speak on the phone in a professional manner including do’s and don’ts when answering and speaking on the phone.
- Cooking – Learn how to plan a menu and keep records. Quality control of all the dishes and meals going out.
- Chauffeur duties – All about what are chauffeur duties and how to professionally pick up guests and maintain the vehicle.
- Etiquette and protocol – Learn how to acquire social confidence, common sense and good manners. Deal with specific protocols and how to create them.
How can Polo & Tweed help?
Polo & Tweed offer world-leading training for all our students. This includes Butler Training and Silver Service. Get in touch today and one of our excellent consultants will love to tell you all about it.