This year I underwent the training at The International Butler Academy in Warnsveld.  A training for people who are driven and who wish to enter the butling field. Prior to beginning the training, I sat down and read all the reference letters on the website. Every single one. From these letters it was clear that this was no easy training. I understood that you would have to invest a great deal in yourself and, therefore, you would have to put two months of your time aside in order to do this.

Having completed the training, I can totally confirm this. The training fulfilled my expectations to the very detail. Irrespective of your background, you learn from scratch to build and develop the tools of the trade. Every one of the subjects are without exception applicable in your (new) future life. The lessons of Etiquette and Protocol guide and assist you excellently on your way.

Security and First Aid are indispensable while Management and Systems are extremely valuable. You learn the real meaning of working together. Sometimes it helps when a colleague student disagrees with you but then at the same time gives his hand in helping to resolve the situation together. You even get to be Head Butler for a whole week, Assistant Head Butler another week and you are able to see the practical side of the training in the capacity of assistant Class Guardian.

For two months you are part of a "role-play".  It takes a while to get used to this but you realise soon enough during the training that this is invaluable. All the students are self-willed and head strong, proud and at the same time humble.

You need to have nerve and daring to do the training. I can recommend it to each and every one of you. The team-building day was for me the most difficult day. I was most concerned about it. However, my concern was not at all justified. It was a wonderfully enjoyable day and I even did most of the obstacles. This is due to the fact that you never stand alone but are assisted by your colleague students. They give you the wings you did not know you had.  

My greatest achievement was that I learned to understand how beautiful it is to be a butler and how special this field of work is. If someone asks me now what it is I do, I say with great pride that I am a butler. Now it is your turn to take part in this magnificent training. I wish you all success.

Marc  van Bergen
Passed with Distinction,  April 2007