British Butler Institute graduate has secured his first position and dream job!
My desire to become a butler was inspired by an old friend of mine who was an eccentric long-retired butler with many humorous stories to tell, as well as classic British films and my life growing up in a traditional South African boarding school.
I decided to “follow my dream” at the age of forty-five and the British Butler Institute seemed like the perfect place to start my journey.
I rang the British Butler Institute to obtain more information about various courses and training that were on offer and I had the pleasure to speak to the Principal himself, Mr Gary Williams Esq. We had a conversation about my desire to become a butler, my background and my relevant experience in hospitality and private members’ clubs. Mr Williams very helpfully advised me on how to follow my new chosen path and recommended a specific Butler course at the British Butler Institute, on which I immediately enrolled. From the very first conversation with Mr Williams, I found the Principal to be very engaging, encouraging and helpful.
The course run by Mr Williams was fantastic. I learnt a great deal about the profession and I was genuinely excited to attend each day at the lovely Taj Hotel in London.
His classes were informative, interesting and insightful. I met with multinational students who have already had impressive experience working in luxurious hotels, HNW households, private yachts and aircrafts, as well as a few novices like myself who aspired to become butlers. Mr Williams encouraged everyone to share their various personal experiences and stories during the course, which added the extra factor to the whole learning experience. The course covered many aspects of a butlers life and provided many opportunities for practicing.
After I successfully completed the course, I received my British Butler Institute Certificate from the Principal. My dream and goal was to work in a private household, however, without proven previous experience in such a role I initially found it difficult to compete for positions with butlers who had years of previous experience in the field. When I shared this issue with Mr Williams, he advised me to get experience and fine-tune my skills in an exclusive hotel environment.
Through his network Mr Williams put me in contact with the Head Butler at the exclusive Lanesborough Hotel in Knightsbridge.
It so happened that the Head Butler was also a former student of Mr Williams and thanks to his kind recommendation I was able to complete a one week’s working experience at the exclusive Lanesborough Hotel. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Lanesborough. It quickly proved to be an invaluable experience and I had the opportunity to observe a very professional and committed team of butlers and learn directly from them.
Mr. Williams also very kindly put me in contact with Greycoat Lumleys – an international recruitment agency. Their Household Department is headed up by Jules Le Roux. Jules understood my background. She made real effort to get to know my personality, learn about my various professional experiences and she also listened to my needs.
Shortly after I spoke to Jules, she was able to find the perfect position for me within a private household.
I now have a fantastic job and I work with an outstanding team ensuring a smooth running of a very busy household.
I can confidently say that my dream has finally come true and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my working career doing what I have always wanted to do.
It would not have been possible without Mr Williams, who went above and beyond to help and support me through my journey. I am forever grateful to Mr Williams. He is a mentor and a true gentleman. He has always been open and honest and he helps his students achieve their full potential. I felt Mr Williams genuinely wants his students to succeed and excel and I would absolutely not want to disappoint him. Mr Williams is well-respected and well-connected in the service industry, a real inspiration and a great credit to the profession.
Jason Reginald Barry
