The South African Butler Academy has trained and delivered butlers of the highest international standards over the years.
Situated in Plattekloof, the Butler Academy has produced talented, hard-working, devoted and passionate butlers by providing in-depth training and first-hand experience of what it takes to excel in this specialised sector.
It was founded by Newton Cross, owner and principal of the SA Butler Academy and Adriaan Coetzer, owner and director of Guild Recruitment. Cross says he wanted to share his extensive experience in the hospitality industry, having trained and worked at some of the world’s best establishments, with other hopefuls.
“The career I had was something other South Africans could benefit from, especially this kind of establishment, which wasn’t in South Africa,” Cross says. “The idea is to give the gift of butler service to someone.
He says the training is based on five elements: food and beverage, housekeeping, maintenance, security and personal being.
The course not only promotes further learning, but also opens the door for substantial salary earnings.
Students aged 18 to 65 are eligible to enrol.
The 18 students currently enrolled in the programme hail from all parts, including the Helderberg and Overberg.
The academy has produced many successful students from the basin, who have found themselves in a range of settings, from five-star hotels to private yachts. “We have many success stories,” Cross explains.
“We had one student who works for a very wealthy wine owner in the Helderberg region, butlers working for royalty in Cannes, Monaco, while others have worked in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, England and Australia, and on ocean liners.
The academy is also very involved with the Stellenbosch City Orchestra, assisting at shows to create an elegant atmosphere. “We love to serve and give service an upliftment, to make sure we’re giving the André Rio touch in South Africa and [create] the Pavarotti feeling,” he adds.
Visit www.thebutlerschool.com, or like Facebook at “Butler Academy”.
